tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706227805795042832021-12-13T17:19:34.444+07:00Ozie_Back Site'sDriven to Infinite power by writing in this blog site'sOzie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-24271500146079792382009-05-03T00:30:00.001+07:002009-05-03T00:31:24.003+07:00Investing in Forex<div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"> Investing in foreign currencies is a relatively new avenue of investing. There are considerably fewer people are aware of this market than there are people aware of several other avenues of investing. Trading foreign currency, also known as forex, is the most lucrative investment market that exists. There are several factors that make this true among which, successful forex traders earn realistic profits of one hundred plus percent each month. Compared to some of the better known investment markets such as corporate stocks, this is an unheard of return on investment. It's very necessary to mention here that a person who invests in forex must, without exception, make it a point to learn the detailed, but simple strategies and information surrounding the market. This very fact is what makes the difference between successful forex traders and other traders. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> A few additional points, which create such powerful leverage for investors within the forex market are: The amount of capital required to begin investing in the market is only three hundred dollars. For the most part, any other investment market is going to demand thousands of dollars of the investor in the beginning. Also, the market offers opportunities to profit regardless what the direction of the market may be; In most commonly known markets investors sit and wait for the market to begin an up trend before entering a trade. Even then, investors, as a rule must sit and wait some more to be able to exit the trade with a nice profit. Given that the forex market produces several up, down, and sideways trends in a single day, it can easily be seen that forex stands head and shoulders above other markets. Additionally there are trading strategies, which are taught that provide for compounded profits; these are profits on top of profits. In addition, free demo accounts are available within the industry of forex trading, which facilitate the sharpening of skills without the risk losing any capital. And the advantage regarding the time factor in trading foreign currency is a very attractive point for any investor. Compared to one of the most sought after avenues of investing, which often requires forty or more hours each week, namely in the real-estate market, the forex market requires a much smaller demand on the investor's time. Forex trading requires approximately ten to fifteen hours each week to earn a full time income. It's easy to see that the advantages and great leverage that exist in the forex market, make it among the most lucrative, time liberating, and easy to enter by far. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> I hope this information gives you a clear understanding of how you can turn your investing into a true method of making your money work harder for you. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> by Joe Clinton<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Source: http://www.earnforex.com/articles/investing_in_forex.php<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-35942226033495982662009-05-03T00:28:00.000+07:002009-05-03T00:29:57.295+07:00Online Forex Trading<p style="text-align: justify;"> Do you know what Forex trading is? Some people have heard of this type of trading, others have not. If you haven't, it might be something you are interested in trying. Forex trading stands for foreign exchange trading. What it consists of is the buying and selling of different currencies. This is done simultaneously, and there are people who make a lot of money with this kind of trading. This is apparent by the 1.9 million dollar turnover in this market that happens every day. Also a lot of it is done online. Online Forex trading is very popular. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The most common currencies to trade are the Euro and the U.S. dollar, and the U.S. dollar and the Japanese Yen. However, nearly all of the Forex trading done involves the major currencies of the world. These include the Euro, Japanese Yen, U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, British Pound, Australian dollar, and the Swiss franc. The Forex exchange is different from other exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange, in that it does not have a physical location or central exchange. The exchange day begins in Sydney, then moves to Tokyo, on to London, and finally ends in New York. Each country takes the responsibility of regulating the Forex exchange activities in their own country. So there is no overall regulatory agency. However, this does not seem to be a problem and most countries do very well at overseeing Forex exchange activities. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> There are a lot of things that influence the Forex rate. For instance, economic things, like interest rates and inflation, and also political things, such as political unrest in other countries and major changes in government cause up and down changes in the Forex rate. However, these things tend to be short-term, and don't affect it for long. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Online Forex trading sites are easy to find by surfing the Internet. Most of them provide a wealth of information for the first time trader. You can find out about the history of Forex trading, how to co it, tips on being successful, etc. You can also start trading with as little as $250 in your account on some sites. For anyone who is interested in currency or trading, it is something you should check out. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> As with any type of trading, there are no guarantees that you will make money or that you won't make money. It is a smart choice to learn as much as you can about online Forex trading before investing any money and doing any trading. It is a fact that informed investors do better than those who don't know much about what they are trading. So get the fact before you dive in. You might just make a little money in a very interesting currency exchange. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> by Bob Hett<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Source: http://www.earnforex.com/articles/online_forex_trading.php<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://www.forexinformation.info/"><br /></a> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-52776597564621991512009-05-03T00:19:00.002+07:002009-05-03T00:24:19.727+07:00Global Forex Trading<p style="margin: 4px; text-align: justify;" class="ArticleText"><span style="font-size:130%;"> Forex is one of the greatest hommy work opportunity to make money. It gives an opportunity to make money from the comfort of your home and spending the time with family at the same time.<br /><br />It is also an opportunity which you can do along with your existing day job. Forex means foreign exchange and Forex trading means is the trading between foreign exchanges.<br /><br />Forex trading requires some knowledge about the way the Forex market runs. You have to learn about he factors both local and the global which affects the market.<br /><br />If you want to succeed in this particular trading you must have the knowledge about the basics and facts.<br /><br />Global Forex Trading offers the chance to deal in real time online currency trading that makes millions of forex brokers become more rich every day.<br /><br />Global Forex Trading has less publicity that stock and commodities market and even the futures, even more than $2 trillion of currencies are transacted every day on the global forex market.<br /><br />Compared to stocks and shares or commodity markets that have specific opening and ending trading times. At the same tim, Forex markets are available for trading anytime with price of currencies changes and fluctuates everytime.<br /><br />Forex trading has become an extremely popular way to trade the global market, the largest and most liquid market in the world.<br /><br />The Forex Trading market is open 24 hours a day. Forex trading also gives free commission and available on more than 60 currencies worldwide.<br /><br />Global forex trading boasts that they provide the only forex trading platform that is suitable for both beginners and professionals.<br /><br />Forex Trading has no restrictions of getting profits no matter what the market condition.<br /><br />Nowday, the Global Forex Trading is available not only for the large investors but the smaller one can take a part too.<br /><br />Leverage is the main key and powerful tool to Forex Trading wealth. You should have a good education in Forex trading to reach gain and profits consistently.<br /><br />In Forex trading, you can get a leverage of 20 to 50 times commonly up to 100% margin in some special cases. In stocks or shares, you may be able to get it of 50 - 70% of your stocks or shares.<br /><br />Leverage is the main key and powerful tool to Forex Trading wealth. You should have a good education in Forex trading to reach gain and profits consistently.<br /><br />With that leverage comparison, you may be able become a millionaire fastest in Forex trading.<br /><br />All things you need to know and learn it up in Forex trading ; knowing risk level - how much you are willing to lose, understanding the different forex trading systems as technical and fundamental and research the trading systems which you can be familiar with how they work.<br /><br />Also learning the trading trends, price history, support and resistance lines, familiar with the fundamental economic factors and its issues that effect to the Forex market.<br /><br />Global forex trading is something not many people consider for investment - because of less information - but worldwide forex trading continues and become more and more popular recently.<br /><br />Individuals all over the world are investing in the Forex market and gaining thousands of dollars every day.<br /></span> </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;">About the Author</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="ArticleText"><span style="font-size:130%;"> Biet Aka is Full Online Marketer from Indonesia, Proudly member of Asian Brain IMC Indonesia. Deep interest and research on Forex Course and Forex Trading Learning.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="ArticleText"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="ArticleText"><span style="font-size:130%;">Source: http://www.forexcourse-s.com </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-62861087666618445422009-05-02T17:35:00.002+07:002009-05-02T17:40:36.831+07:00How to Trade Forex<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfwiKxgj3lI/AAAAAAAAANs/RvpFGwmJVzU/s1600-h/intro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfwiKxgj3lI/AAAAAAAAANs/RvpFGwmJVzU/s400/intro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331173627383766610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Trading foreign exchange is exciting and potentially very profitable, but there are also significant risk factors. It is crucially important that you fully understand the implications of margin trading and the particular pitfalls and opportunities that foreign exchange trading offers. On these pages, we offer you a brief introduction to the Forex markets as well as their participants and some strategies that you can apply. However, if you are ever in doubt about any aspect of a trade, you can always discuss the matter in-depth with one of our dealers. They are available 24 hours a day on the Saxo Bank online trading system, SaxoTrader.<br /><br />The benchmark of its service is efficient execution, concise analysis and expertise – all achieved whilst maintaining an attractive and competitive cost structure. Today, Saxo Bank offers one of Europe's premier all-round services for trading in derivative products and foreign exchange. We count amongst our employees numerous dealers and analysts, each of whom has many years experience and a wide and varied knowledge of the markets – gained both in our home countries and in international financial centres. When trading foreign exchange, futures and other derivative products, we offer 24-hour service, extensive daily analysis, individual access to our Research & Analysis department for specific queries, and immediate execution of trades through our international network of banks and brokers. All at a price considerably lower than that which most companies and private investors normally have access to.<br /><br />The combination of our strong emphasis on customer service, our strategy and trading recommendations, our strategic and individual hedging programmes, along with the availability to our clients of the latest news and information builds a strong case for trading an individual account through Saxo Bank.<br /><br />Terms of trading are agreed individually depending on the volume of your transactions, but are generally much lower in cost when compared to banks and brokers. Your margin deposit can be cash or government securities, bank guarantees etc. Large corporate or institutional clients may be offered trading facilities on the strength of their balance sheet. The minimum deposit accepted for an individual trading account depends on the account type. Trade confirmations and real-time account overview are built into SaxoTrader, while further account information can be produced in accordance with your specific requirements.<br /><br />Source: http://www.forextrading.com/articles/ForexIntro.aspx<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-42802790889582752142009-05-02T17:31:00.003+07:002009-05-02T17:41:29.737+07:00Forex Trading BasicsThe global foreign exchange market is the biggest market in the world. The 3.2 trillion USD daily turnover dwarfs the combined turnover of all the world's stock and bond markets.<br /><br />There are many reasons for the popularity of foreign exchange trading, but among the most important are the leverage available, the high liquidity 24 hours a day and the very low dealing costs associated with trading.<br /><br />Of course many commercial organisations participate purely due to the currency exposures created by their import and export activities, but the main part of the turnover is accounted for by financial institutions. Investing in foreign exchange remains predominantly the domain of the big professional players in the market - funds, banks and brokers. Nevertheless, any investor with the necessary knowledge of the market's functions can benefit from the advantages stated above.<br /><br />In the following article, we would like to introduce you to some of the basic concepts of foreign exchange trading. If you would like any further information, we suggest that you sign up for a FREE Membership on this website, where you will be able to exchange views with other Forex traders and get answers to any questions you might have.<br />Margin Trading<br /><br />Foreign exchange is normally traded on margin. A relatively small deposit can control much larger positions in the market. For trading the main currencies, Saxo Bank requires a 1% margin deposit. This means that in order to trade one million dollars, you need to place just USD 10,000 by way of security.<br /><br />In other words, you will have obtained a gearing of up to 100 times. This means that a change of, say 2%, in the underlying value of your trade will result in a 200% profit or loss on your deposit. See below for specific examples. As you can see, this calls for a very disciplined approach to trading as both profit opportunities and potential risks are very large indeed. Please refer to our page Forex Rates & Conditions for current Spreads, Margins and Conditions.<br />Base Currency and Variable Currency<br /><br />When you trade, you will always trade a combination of two currencies. For example, you will buy US dollars and sell euro. Or buy euro and sell Japanese yen, or any other combination of dozens of widely traded currencies. But there is always a long (bought) and a short (sold) side to a trade, which means that you are speculating on the prospect of one of the currencies strengthening in relation to the other.<br /><br />The trade currency is normally, but not always, the currency with the highest value. When trading US dollars against Singapore dollars, the normal way to trade is buying or selling a fixed amount of US dollars, i.e. USD 1,000,000. When closing the position, the opposite trade is done, again USD 1,000,000. The profit or loss will be apparent in the change of the amount of SGD credited and debited for the two transactions. In other words, your profit or loss will be denominated in SGD, which is known as the price currency. As part of our service, Saxo Bank will automatically exchange your profits and losses into your base currency if you require this.<br />Dealing Spread, but No Commissions<br /><br />When trading foreign exchange, you are quoted a dealing spread offering you a buying and a selling level for your trade. Once you accept the offered price and receive confirmation from our dealers, the trade is done. There is no need to call an exchange floor. There are no other time-consuming delays. This is possible due to live streaming prices, which are also a great advantage in times of fast-moving markets: You can see where the market is trading and you know whether your orders are filled or not.<br /><br />The dealing spread is typically 3-5 points in normal market conditions. This means that you can sell US dollars against the euro at 1.7780 and buy at 1.7785. There are no further costs, commissions or exchange fees.<br /><br />This ensures that you can get in and out of your trades at very low slippage and many traders are therefore active intra-day traders, given that a typical day in USDEUR presents price swings of 150-200 points.<br />Spot and forward trading<br /><br />When you trade foreign exchange you are normally quoted a spot price. This means that if you take no further steps, your trade will be settled after two business days. This ensures that your trades are undertaken subject to supervision by regulatory authorities for your own protection and security. If you are a commercial customer, you may need to convert the currencies for international payments. If you are an investor, you will normally want to swap your trade forward to a later date. This can be undertaken on a daily basis or for a longer period at a time. Often investors will swap their trades forward anywhere from a week or two up to several months depending on the time frame of the investment.<br /><br />Although a forward trade is for a future date, the position can be closed out at any time - the closing part of the position is then swapped forward to the same future value date.<br />Interest Rate Differentials<br /><br />Different currencies pay different interest rates. This is one of the main driving forces behind foreign exchange trends. It is inherently attractive to be a buyer of a currency that pays a high interest rate while being short a currency that has a low interest rate.<br /><br />Although such interest rate differentials may not appear very large, they are of great significance in a highly leveraged position. For example, the interest rate differential between the US dollar and the Japanese yen has been approximately 5% for several years. In a position that can be supported by a 5% margin deposit, this results in a 100% profit on capital per annum when you buy the US dollar. Of course, an even more important factor normally is the relative value of the currencies, which changed 15% from low to high during 2005 – disregarding the interest rate differential. From a pure interest rate differential viewpoint, you have an advantage of 100% per annum in your favour by being long US dollar and an initial disadvantage of the same size by being short.<br />Please refer to our page Forex Rates & Conditions for current Spreads, Margins and Conditions!<br /><br />Such a situation clearly benefits the high interest rate currency and as result, the US dollar was in a strong bull market all through 2005. But it is by no means a certainty that the currency with the higher interest rate will be strongest. If the reason for the high interest rate is runaway inflation, this may undermine confidence in the currency even more than the benefits perceived from the high interest rate.<br />Stop-loss discipline<br /><br />As you can see from the description above, there are significant opportunities and risks in foreign exchange markets. Aggressive traders might experience profit/loss swings of 20-30% daily. This calls for strict stop-loss policies in positions that are moving against you.<br /><br />Fortunately, there are no daily limits on foreign exchange trading and no restrictions on trading hours other than the weekend. This means that there will nearly always be an opportunity to react to moves in the main currency markets and a low risk of getting caught without the opportunity of getting out. Of course, the market can move very fast and a stop-loss order is by no means a guarantee of getting out at the desired level.<br /><br />But the main risk is really an event over the weekend, where all markets are closed. This happens from time to time as many important political events, such as G7 meetings, are normally scheduled for weekends.<br /><br />For speculative trading, we always recommend the placement of protective stop-lossorders. With Saxo Bank Internet Trading you can easily place and change such orders while watching market development graphically on your computer screen.<br /><br />Source: http://www.forextrading.com/articles/ForexBasics.aspx<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-10466417761148271522009-05-02T17:26:00.001+07:002009-05-02T17:31:51.733+07:00Foreign Exchange<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Sfwg7974XNI/AAAAAAAAANk/6VqjNI0A1ig/s1600-h/forex3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 204px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Sfwg7974XNI/AAAAAAAAANk/6VqjNI0A1ig/s320/forex3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331172273509915858" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />This short introduction explains the basics of trading Forex online, a brief explanation of the markets and the major benefits of trading Forex online. There are also two scenarios describing the implications of trading in a bear as well as a bull market to better acquaint you with some of the risks and opportunities of the largest and most liquid market in the world.<br /><br />As an additional aid for those who are new to Forex, there is also a glossary at the bottom of this text which explains some of the terms used in connection with currency trading.<br />Overview<br />Foreign exchange, Forex or just FX are all terms used to describe the trading of the world's many currencies. The Forex market is the largest market in the world, with trades amounting to more than USD 3 trillion every day. Most Forex trading is speculative, with only a low percentage of market activity representing governments' and companies' fundamental currency conversion needs.<br /><br />Unlike trading on the stock market, the Forex market is not conducted by a central exchange, but on the “interbank” market, which is thought of as an OTC (over the counter) market. Trading takes place directly between the two counterparts necessary to make a trade, whether over the telephone or on electronic networks all over the world. The main centres for trading are Sydney, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt and New York. This worldwide distribution of trading centres means that the Forex market is a 24-hour market.<br /><br />Trading Forex<br /><br />A currency trade is the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another one. The currency combination used in the trade is called a cross (for example, the euro/US dollar, or the GB pound/Japanese yen.). The most commonly traded currencies are the so-called “majors” – EURUSD, USDJPY, USDCHF and GBPUSD.<br /><br />The most important Forex market is the spot market as it has the largest volume. The market is called the spot market because trades are settled immediately, or “on the spot”. In practice this means two banking days.<br /><br />Forward Outrights<br />For forward outrights, settlement on the value date selected in the trade means that even though the trade itself is carried out immediately, there is a small interest rate calculation left. The interest rate differential doesn't usually affect trade considerations unless you plan on holding a position with a large differential for a long period of time. The interest rate differential varies according to the cross you are trading. On the USDCHF, for example, the interest rate differential is quite small, whereas the differential on NOKJPY is large. This is because if you trade e.g. NOKJPY, you get almost 7% (annual) interest in Norway and close to 0% in Japan. So, if you borrow money in Japan, to finance the trade and buying NOK, you have a positive interest rate differential. This differential has to be calculated and added to your account. You can have both a positive and a negative interest rate differential, so it may work for or against you when you make a trade.<br /><br /><br />Trading on Margin<br />Trading on margin means that you can buy and sell assets that represent more value than the capital in your account. Forex trading is usually conducted with relatively small margin deposits. This is useful since it permits investors to exploit currency exchange rate fluctuations which tend to be very small. A margin of 1.0% means you can trade up to USD 1,000,000 even though you only have USD 10,000 in your account. A margin of 1% corresponds to a 100:1 leverage (or “gearing”). (Because USD 10,000 is 1% of USD 1,000,000.) Using this much leverage enables you to make profits very quickly, but there is also a greater risk of incurring large losses and even being completely wiped out. Therefore, it is inadvisable to maximise your leveraging as the risks can be very high. For more information on the trading conditions of Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your SaxoTrader and open the section entitled “Trading Conditions” found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.<br /><br /><br />Why Trade Forex?<br /><br /> *<br /> 24 hour trading<br /> One of the major advantages of trading Forex is the opportunity to trade 24 hours a day from Sunday evening (20:00 GMT) to Friday evening (22:00 GMT). This gives you a unique opportunity to react instantly to breaking news that is affecting the markets.<br /> *<br /> Superior liquidity<br /> The Forex market is so liquid that there are always buyers and sellers to trade with. The liquidity of this market, especially that of the major currencies, helps ensure price stability and narrow spreads. The liquidity comes mainly from banks that provide liquidity to investors, companies, institutions and other currency market players.<br /> *<br /> No commissions<br /> The fact that Forex is often traded without commissions makes it very attractive as an investment opportunity for investors who want to deal on a frequent basis.<br /> Trading the “majors” is also cheaper than trading other cross because of the high level of liquidity. For more information on the trading conditions of Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your SaxoTrader and open the section entitled “Trading Conditions” found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.<br /> *<br /> 100:1 Leverage<br /> Leverage (gearing) enables you to hold a position worth up to 100 times more than your margin deposit. For example, a USD 10,000 deposit can command positions of up to USD 1,000,000 through leverage. You can leverage the first USD 25,000 of your investment up to 100 times and additional collateral up to 50 times.<br /> *<br /> Profit potential in falling markets<br /> Since the market is constantly moving, there are always trading opportunities, whether a currency is strengthening or weakening in relation to another currency. When you trade currencies, they literally work against each other. If the EURUSD declines, for example, it is because the US dollar gets stronger against the euro and vice versa. So, if you think the EURUSD will decline (that is, that the euro will weaken versus the dollar), you would sell EUR now and then later you buy euro back at a lower price. In case that the EURUSD indeed declines, then you can take your profit. The opposite trading scenario would occur if the EURUSD appreciates.<br /><br /><br /><br />Important Forex Trading Terms<br /><br /> *<br /> Spread<br /> The spread is the difference between the price that you can sell currency at (Bid) and the price you can buy currency at (Ask). The spread on majors is usually 3 pips under normal market conditions. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled “Trading Conditions” found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.<br /> *<br /> Pips<br /> A pip is the smallest unit by which a cross price quote changes. When trading Forex you will often hear that there is a 3-pip spread when you trade the majors. This spread is revealed when you compare the bid and the ask price, for example EURUSD is quoted at a bid price of 0.9875 and an ask price of 0.9878. The difference is USD 0.0003, which is equal to 3 “pips”.<br /><br /> On a contract or position, the value of a pip can easily be calculated. You know that the EURUSD is quoted with four decimals, so all you have to do is cancel out the four zeros on the amount you trade and you will have the value of one pip. Thus, on a EURUSD 100,000 contract, one pip is USD 10. On a USDJPY 100,000 contract, one pip is equal to 1000 yen, because USDJPY is quoted with only two decimals.<br /><br /><br /><br />Source: http://www.forextrading.com/articles/HowToTrade.aspx<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-17069448903228126302009-04-26T22:43:00.003+07:002009-04-26T23:09:33.550+07:00London Stock ExchangeEquity markets<br /><br />Companies across the world come to the London Stock Exchange looking to raise money to develop and grow their businesses. Listing on our markets gives companies the opportunity to tap into one of the world's deepest and most liquid pools of capital.<br />Our markets cater for companies large and small, from start-ups to global brands. We supervise our markets rigorously to ensure their integrity and fairness for all market participants.<br /><br />The Main Market<br /><br />The Exchange’s Main Market is the world’s most international market for the listing and trading of equity, debt and other securities. Its location at the heart of the world’s leading financial centre makes it the ideal home to around 1,500 companies from 60 countries, including many of the world’s largest, most successful and most dynamic companies.<br /><br />AIM<br /><br />AIM is the Exchange's international market for smaller growing companies. On AIM you will find a wide range of businesses ranging from young, venture capital-backed start-ups to well-established, mature organisations looking to expand. Since its launch in 1995, over 2,500 companies have joined AIM − raising more than £60bn in the process, both through initial public offerings (IPOs) and further capital raisings. This capital has helped AIM-quoted companies of all kinds to fund their development and pursue their ambitions.<br /><br />International companies<br /><br />The Exchange is a global marketplace. Around 350 companies from over 50 different countries use a London listing to gain the profile and access to capital they need to grow into truly global companies. They are drawn by the quality of our markets, their depth of liquidity and the sophistication and long-term approach of the institutional investor community in London.<br />Derivatives<br /><br />A major contributor to our derivatives business is EDX London, created in 2003 to bring the cash equity and derivatives markets closer together.<br /><br />Members of EDX London trade futures and options on international exchanges through a common order book, making business easier and more cost effective. We are also committed to creating London’s first over-the-counter (OTC) equity derivatives trade confirmation and clearing service, and listing new equity derivatives contracts where our members demand them. It is our aim to become the most efficient and liquid derivatives exchange in the world.<br /><br />Our Covered Warrants market is one of the world's fastest growing investment markets. There are five blue-chip issuers offering over 650 warrants and certificates on single stocks and indices in the UK and around the world. There are also warrants offered on baskets of stocks, commodities such as oil, gold, silver and currency - even on the UK housing market.<br /><br />Source: http://www.londonstockexchange.com/<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-31175307357549621962009-04-25T22:50:00.000+07:002009-04-25T22:54:44.393+07:00How Does Investing Differ from Saving?Investing is the proactive use of your money to make more money or, to say it another way, it is your money working for you. <p> Investing is different from saving. Saving is a passive activity, even though it uses the same principle of compounding. Saving is more focused on safety of principal (the amount you start out with) and less concerned with return. </p><p> Your focus in investing is on return and can run the spectrum from conservative to very aggressive in terms of risk. One way you measure results is by the expected return weighed against the anticipated risks. </p><p> It is easy to slip into an unnecessarily complex discussion about whether a particular financial transaction was an investment or a savings deposit. However, it is important to understand that investing has some distinctive characteristics, which separate it from pure savings. Since we are discussing stocks, I’ll limit the characteristics to that type of investment: </p><ul><li> Ownership </li><li> Upside Potential </li><li> Risk </li></ul> Each of these characteristics sets investing in stocks apart from savings in several different ways. <h3> Ownership </h3> When you buy stock, you are buying a piece of a company – you become a part owner. This ownership gives you certain rights, including voting on important matters before the company and participating in the profits if the company distributes dividends. <p> Virtually no savings instruments give you ownership. You may own a bank CD, but you don’t own part of the bank. You may own a U.S. Treasury bond, but you don’t own the government. </p><h3> Upside Potential </h3> When you own stock, you participate in the growth of the company. As the value of the company increases, so does you investment. If profits increase, you may receive bigger dividend checks. The stock price may continue to rise for a long period. Many of the early employees of Microsoft are millionaires because their stock has gone up dramatically. <p> If you have a bank CD that pays 3%, it is unlikely the bank’s president is going to call you one day and say, ‘we’ve had a great year, so I’m raising your interest rate to 6%.’ </p><h3> Risk </h3> Along with the potential for extraordinary gain is the potential for loss. These two go hand in hand. You can lose money investing in stocks. <p> If the thought of losing money makes your stomach knot up, stick to savings instruments. However, you should know that even the safest savings instrument carries unseen risks. Most savings instruments trade security for return, meaning they pay very little. When you factor in inflation and taxes, many so-called safe savings instruments return almost nothing and some can actually lose ground.</p><br /><p>Source: http://stocks.about.com/od/investing101/a/Whatisinvesting.htm<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-52341587720117673992009-04-25T22:48:00.000+07:002009-04-25T22:50:06.936+07:00Basic Steps in How Stock Trading WorksTrading stocks. You hear that phrase all the time, although it really is wrong – you don’t trade stocks like baseball cards (I’ll trade you 100 IBMs for 100 Intels). <h3> Trade = Buy or Sell </h3> To “trade” means to buy and sell in the jargon of the financial markets. How a system that can accommodate one billion shares trading in a single day works is a mystery to most people. No doubt, our financial markets are marvels of technological efficiency. <p> Yet, they still must handle your order for 100 shares of Acme Kumquats with the same care and documentation as my order of 100,000 shares of MegaCorp. </p><p> You don’t need to know all of the technical details of how you buy and sell stocks, however it is important to have a basic understanding of how the markets work. If you want to dig deeper, there are links to articles explaining the technical side of the markets. </p><h3> Two Basic Methods </h3> There are two basic ways exchanges execute a trade: <p> </p><ul><li>On the exchange floor </li><li>Electronically </li></ul> <p> There is a strong push to move more trading to the networks and off the trading floors, however this push is meeting with some resistance. Most markets, most notably the <a href="http://stocks.about.com/od/glossary/g/%20NASDAQ.htm"> NASDAQ</a>, trade stocks electronically. The futures’ markets trade in person on the floor of several exchanges, but that’s a different topic. </p><p> </p><h3>Exchange floor</h3> <p> Trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (the <a href="http://stocks.about.com/od/glossary/g/%20NYSE.htm"> NYSE</a>) is the image most people have thanks to television and the movies of how the market works. When the market is open, you see hundreds of people rushing about shouting and gesturing to one another, talking on phones, watching monitors, and entering data into terminals. It could not look any more chaotic. </p><p> Yet, at the end of the day, the markets workout all the trades and get ready for the next day. Here is a step-by-step walk through the execution of a simple trade on the NYSE. </p><p> </p><ol><li> You tell your broker to buy 100 shares of Acme Kumquats at market. </li><li> Your broker’s order department sends the order to their floor clerk on the exchange. </li><li> The floor clerk alerts one of the firm’s floor traders who finds another floor trader willing to sell 100 shares of Acme Kumquats. This is easier than is sounds, because the floor trader knows which floor traders make markets in particular stocks. </li><li> The two agree on a price and complete the deal. The notification process goes back up the line and your broker calls you back with the final price. The process may take a few minutes or longer depending on the stock and the market. A few days later, you will receive the confirmation notice in the mail. </li></ol> <p> Of course, this example was a simple trade, complex trades and large blocks of stocks involve considerable more detail. </p><p> </p><h3>Electronically </h3> In this fast moving world, some are wondering how long a human-based system like the NYSE can continue to provide the level of service necessary. The NYSE handles a small percentage of its volume electronically, while the rival NASDAQ is completely electronic. <p> The electronic markets use vast computer networks to match buyers and sellers, rather than human brokers. While this system lacks the romantic and exciting images of the NYSE floor, it is efficient and fast. Many large institutional traders, such as pension funds, mutual funds, and so forth, prefer this method of trading. </p><p> For the individual investor, you frequently can get almost instant confirmations on your trades, if that is important to you. It also facilitates further control of online investing by putting you one step closer to the market. </p><p> You still need a broker to handle your trades – individuals don’t have access to the electronic markets. Your broker accesses the exchange network and the system finds a buyer or seller depending on your order. </p><p> </p><h3>Conclusion</h3> What does this all mean to you? If the system works, and it does most of the time, all of this will be hidden from you, however if something goes wrong it’s important to have an idea of what’s going on behind the scenes.<br /><br />Source: http://stocks.about.com/od/tradingbasics/a/Basictrading.htm<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-50795637490043427632009-04-25T22:36:00.002+07:002009-04-25T22:44:30.507+07:00Stock Trading<div style="text-align: justify;"> Stock Trading Tips provides you with various tips and advice for intraday stock trading primarily using technical indicators for buy/sell signals.<br /><br />Please find below a checklist of things to keep in mind when trading:</div><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li>If the lead stochastic crosses over the 20 band consider this a possible buy signal, and if it crosses below 80, then it would be a sell signal.</li><li>Use several charts in different time periods for each stock you are trading. 60, 13, 8, 3, and 1 minute charts will enable you to see the bigger picture. If the 60, 13, and 8 minute charts are in an uptrend, look at the 3 / 1 minute charts for an entry into the trend, such as when the lead stochastic moves up from the 20 band. Don't fight the trend of the longer time frames, but if your trade is going against the major trend, be aware that you won't want to stay in it for too long.</li><li>If you are new to stock trading, start with low lots of shares such as 100, and avoid jumping in with orders for 1000+. A trade with 100 shares going against you is psychologically easier to take than one with 1000.</li><li>Be wary of making trades during a consolidation, which can be indicated by flat or nearly flat 5 and 15 period moving averages. It is best to make trades when the stock is in a trend identified by higher highers and higher lows for an uptrend, or lower highs and lower lows for a downtrend. A strong trend should show a wide channel between the 5 and 15 period moving averages. If the price is consolidated into a tight range for the past several bars, be aware that a breakout may be triggered when the price moves above or below the highest/lowest values. You can either enter a trade at the breakout price as it happens, or wait for the first wave to complete and the price to pull back close to the original breakout price.</li><li>Know where your exit points in the trade will be, including your stop loss value. It is important to take losses and not let a losing trade run away while you hope it will turn in your favour later on.. it might not.</li><li>If trading NASDAQ stocks, be aware of what the futures are doing. The current March contract symbol for the Nasdaq Emini 100 futures is NQH08 / NQH8 depending on your broker. Stocks usually move with the futures. It is generally a bad idea to short a stock if the futures are in a strong uptrend, and vice versa for going long.</li><li>If the futures are in an uptrend, but your stock is moving down this could signal a possible explosive move down when the futures start to go back down again. The same applies in reverse for moves up.</li><li>Look at the previous days trading range by subtracting the high of the day from the low of the day. You may want to add this into a stock scanning program so you can find stocks which had a range of $1+ for example. Stocks with large ranges will give more opportunities for larger moves for you to capture compared to stocks which only fluctuate by a few cents each day.</li><li>Watch out for stocks that have a significant gap at the open, either up or down. Stocks that have gapped are likely to have good volume and swings in price, presenting good trading opportunities. A gap is defined by the opening of the bar being greater or less than the close of the previous bar. If a stock closed at $85 yesterday and opened at $88 today, then it has gapped up by $3.</li><li>The Asian and European markets can be used as a possible guide to get an idea of which direction the US market is likely to go in. For example, if the Nikkei is down 3%, the DAX is down 2.3% then there is a strong possibility the US Futures and stocks will end up down overall. The US futures will have been trading down in their overnight session with Asia/Europe aswell, so there could be an immediate rally at the 9am open before moving down further.</li></ol>Source: http://www.stocktradingtips.com/<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-21913507884020997202009-04-24T16:05:00.001+07:002009-04-24T16:07:21.385+07:00American Stock Exchange<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfGBLWZhfbI/AAAAAAAAAMo/rH8n3de_5lc/s1600-h/250px-AMEX.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 327px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfGBLWZhfbI/AAAAAAAAAMo/rH8n3de_5lc/s400/250px-AMEX.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328181866147184050" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">NYSE Alternext U.S., formerly known as the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) is an American stock exchange situated in New York. AMEX was a mutual organization, owned by its members. Until 1953 it was known as the New York Curb Exchange.On January 17, 2008 NYSE Euronext announced it would acquire the American Stock Exchange for $260 million in stock.On October 1, 2008, NYSE Euronext completed acquisition of the American Stock Exchange.Before the closing of the acquisition, NYSE Euronext announced that the Exchange will be integrated with Alternext European small-cap exchange and renamed NYSE Alternext U.S.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">History</span><br />The Exchange traces its roots back to colonial times, when stock brokers created outdoor markets in New York City to trade new government-issued securities. The AMEX started out in 1842 as such a market at the curbstone on Broad Street near Exchange Place. The curb brokers gathered around the lamp posts and mail boxes, resisting wind and weather, putting up lists of stocks for sale. As trading activity increased so did the volume of the transactions; the shouting reached such a high level that stock hand signals had to be introduced so that the brokers could continue trading over the din. In 1921 the market was moved indoors into the building at 86 Trinity Place, Manhattan, where it still resides. The hand signals remained in place for decades even after the move, as a convenient means of communication. The building was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1978.<br />Market<br /><br />AMEX's core business has shifted over the years from stocks to options and Exchange-traded funds, although it continues to trade small to mid-size stocks. An effort in the mid-1990s to initiate an Emerging Company Marketplace ended in failure, as the reduced listing standards (beyond the existing lenient AMEX standards) caused penny stock promoters to move their scams to a national exchange. In the mid 1990s the exchange was dogged by allegations of trading scandals, which were highlighted by BusinessWeek in 1999.[9] In 1998, the American Stock Exchange merged with the National Association of Securities Dealers (operators of NASDAQ) to create "The Nasdaq-Amex Market Group" where AMEX is an independent entity of the NASD parent company. After tension between the NASD and AMEX members, the latter group bought out the NASD and acquired control of the AMEX in 2004.<br /><br />Out of the three major American stock exchanges, the AMEX is known to have the most liberal policies concerning company listing, as most of its companies are generally smaller compared to the NYSE and NASDAQ. The Amex also specialises in the trading of ETFs, and hybrid/structured securities. The majority of U.S. listed ETFs are traded at the AMEX including the SPDR and most Powershares.<br /><br />In 2006, the AMEX attempted to popularize an American implementation of the Canadian income trust model. Listed Equity Income Hybrid Securities, (more commonly known as Income Deposit Securities) listed on the AMEX are B & G Foods Holding Corp. (BGF), Centerplate, Inc. (CVP), Coinmach Service Corp. (DRY), and Otelco Inc. (OTT). Recently Coinmach Service Corp, has been attempting to restructure itself away from being an income trust.<br /><br />As of 31 December 2007, the AMEX had 592 listed companies with a combined market capitalization of $258 billion.[10]<br /><br />The AMEX also produces stock market indices; perhaps the most notable of these is an index of stocks of internet companies now known as the Inter@ctive Week Internet Index. Recently, the AMEX has also developed a unique set of indices known as Intellidexes, which attempt to gain alpha by creating indices weighted on fundamental factors. The AMEX Composite, a value-weighted index of all stocks listed on the exchange, established a record monthly close of 2,069.16 points on November 30, 2006.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Street level</span><br />Sister project Wikimedia Commons has media related to: American Stock Exchange<br /><br />Located near the World Trade Center, the operation of the AMEX was temporarily affected by the September 11 attacks. The Exchange's operations were temporarily shifted to the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.<br /><br />The volume of trading is significantly reduced every year on the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur.<br /><br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Stock_Exchange<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-741745953466321402009-04-24T15:59:00.002+07:002009-04-24T16:03:10.911+07:00The First Stock Exchanges<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfGAMIcFoDI/AAAAAAAAAMg/IsorZBADfIc/s1600-h/180px-Brugge_-_Saaihalle_en_beurs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 184px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfGAMIcFoDI/AAAAAAAAAMg/IsorZBADfIc/s400/180px-Brugge_-_Saaihalle_en_beurs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328180780068085810" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In 11th century France the courtiers de change were concerned with managing and regulating the debts of agricultural communities on behalf of the banks. As these men also traded in debts, they could be called the first brokers.<br /><br />Some stories suggest that the origins of the term "bourse" come from the Latin bursa meaning a bag because, in 13th century Bruges, the sign of a purse (or perhaps three purses), hung on the front of the house where merchants met.<br /><br />However, it is more likely that in the late 13th century commodity traders in Bruges gathered inside the house of a man called Van der Burse, and in 1309 they institutionalized this until now informal meeting and became the "Bruges Bourse". The idea spread quickly around Flanders and neighbouring counties and "Bourses" soon opened in Ghent and Amsterdam.<br /><br />In the middle of the 13th century, Venetian bankers began to trade in government securities. In 1351, the Venetian Government outlawed spreading rumors intended to lower the price of government funds. There were people in Pisa, Verona, Genoa and Florence who also began trading in government securities during the 14th century. This was only possible because these were independent city states ruled by a council of influential citizens, not by a duke.<br /><br />The Dutch later started joint stock companies, which let shareholders invest in business ventures and get a share of their profits—or losses. In 1602, the Dutch East India Company issued the first shares on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. It was the first company to issue stocks and bonds. In 1688, the trading of stocks began on a stock exchange in London.<br /><br />On May 17, 1792, twenty-four supply brokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement outside 68 Wall Street in New York underneath a buttonwood tree. On March 8, 1817, properties got renamed to New York Stock & Exchange Board. In the 19th century, exchanges (generally famous as futures exchanges) got substantiated to trade futures contracts and then choices contracts.<br /><br />There are now a large number of stock exchanges in the world.<br />The role of stock exchanges<br />Stock exchanges have multiple roles in the economy, this may include the following:<br />Raising capital for businesses<br /><br />The Stock Exchange provide companies with the facility to raise capital for expansion through selling shares to the investing public.<br />bilizing savings for investment<br /><br />When people draw their savings and invest in shares, it leads to a more rational allocation of resources because funds, which could have been consumed, or kept in idle deposits with banks, are mobilized and redirected to promote business activity with benefits for several economic sectors such as agriculture, commerce and industry, resulting in stronger economic growth and higher productivity levels and firms.<br />vels and firms<br />Facilitating company growth<br /><br />Companies view acquisitions as an opportunity to expand product lines, increase distribution channels, hedge against volatility, increase its market share, or acquire other necessary business assets. A takeover bid or a merger agreement through the stock market is one of the simplest and most common ways for a company to grow by acquisition or fusion.<br />Redistribution of wealth<br /><br />Stock exchanges do not exist to redistribute wealth. However, both casual and professional stock investors, through dividends and stock price increases that may result in capital gains, will share in the wealth of profitable businesses.<br />Corporate governance<br /><br />By having a wide and varied scope of owners, companies generally tend to improve on their management standards and efficiency in order to satisfy the demands of these shareholders and the more stringent rules for public corporations imposed by public stock exchanges and the government. Consequently, it is alleged that public companies (companies that are owned by shareholders who are members of the general public and trade shares on public exchanges) tend to have better management records than privately-held companies (those companies where shares are not publicly traded, often owned by the company founders and/or their families and heirs, or otherwise by a small group of investors). However, some well-documented cases are known where it is alleged that there has been considerable slippage in corporate governance on the part of some public companies. The dot-com bubble in the early 2000s, and the subprime mortgage crisis in 2007-08, are classical examples of corporate mismanagement. Companies like Pets.com (2000), Enron Corporation (2001), One.Tel (2001), Sunbeam (2001), Webvan (2001), Adelphia (2002), MCI WorldCom (2002), Parmalat (2003), American International Group (2008), Lehman Brothers (2008), and Satyam Computer Services (2009) were among the most widely scrutinized by the media.<br />Creating investment opportunities for small investors<br /><br />As opposed to other businesses that require huge capital outlay, investing in shares is open to both the large and small stock investors because a person buys the number of shares they can afford. Therefore the Stock Exchange provides the opportunity for small investors to own shares of the same companies as large investors.<br />Government capital-raising for development projects<br /><br />Governments at various levels may decide to borrow money in order to finance infrastructure projects such as sewage and water treatment works or housing estates by selling another category of securities known as bonds. These bonds can be raised through the Stock Exchange whereby members of the public buy them, thus loaning money to the government. The issuance of such bonds can obviate the need to directly tax the citizens in order to finance development, although by securing such bonds with the full faith and credit of the government instead of with collateral, the result is that the government must tax the citizens or otherwise raise additional funds to make any regular coupon payments and refund the principal when the bonds mature.<br />Barometer of the economy<br /><br />At the stock exchange, share prices rise and fall depending, largely, on market forces. Share prices tend to rise or remain stable when companies and the economy in general show signs of stability and growth. An economic recession, depression, or financial crisis could eventually lead to a stock market crash. Therefore the movement of share prices and in general of the stock indexes can be an indicator of the general trend in the economy.<br /><br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock_exchange<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-68356863547882736592009-04-24T15:53:00.002+07:002009-04-24T15:59:11.553+07:00NYSE Euronext Added to 2009 Fortune 500<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfF_QZJCdWI/AAAAAAAAAMY/gbd3pkQKMbc/s1600-h/NYSE_com_368x163.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 163px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfF_QZJCdWI/AAAAAAAAAMY/gbd3pkQKMbc/s400/NYSE_com_368x163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328179753759438178" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">New York, April 22, 2009 – NYSE Euronext (NYX), the world’s leading and most diverse exchange group, today announced that it has been included in the 2009 Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporations, the only exchange group to earn that distinction with a rank of 477. Some 81% or 405 of the Fortune 500 companies are listed on NYSE Euronext exchanges, while the top 20 companies and 86 of the top 100 are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">“NYSE Euronext is honored to be the first exchange group included in the Fortune 500,” said Michael S. Geltzeiler, Group Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, NYSE Euronext. “Our goal of creating the preeminent global exchange group is built on the principles of exceptional customer service, long-term shareholder value and continuous innovation. We would like to thank our customers, shareholders and employees for their continued support.”</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">NYSE Euronext offers a diverse array of financial products and services for issuers, investors and financial institutions with leading positions in cash equities, options and derivatives, exchange-traded funds, bonds, market data, and commercial technology solutions offered throughout <st1:place>Europe</st1:place> and the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States.</st1:place></st1:country-region> With more than 8,000 listed issues, NYSE Euronext transacts nearly 40% of the world’s cash equities trading volume, more than any other exchange group.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>About NYSE Euronext<br /></b>NYSE Euronext (NYX) is the world’s most diverse exchange group, offering a broad and growing array of financial products and services in Europe and the United States that include cash equities, futures, options, exchange-traded products, bonds, market data, and commercial technology solutions. With over 8,000 listed issues globally, NYSE Euronext's equities markets -- the New York Stock Exchange, Euronext, NYSE Arca, and NYSE Amex -- represent nearly 40% of the world's cash equities trading volume, the most liquidity of any global exchange group. NYSE Euronext also operates NYSE Liffe, the leading European derivatives business and the world’s second largest derivatives business by value of trading. NYSE Euronext offers comprehensive global commercial technology, connectivity, and market data products and services through its innovative trading solutions unit, NYSE Technologies. NYSE Euronext is part of the S&P 500 index and the only exchange operator in the S&P 100 index. For more information, please visit:<u>www.nyx.com</u>.<br /><br /><b>Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements<br /></b>This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning NYSE Euronext’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are based on NYSE Euronext’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause NYSE Euronext’s results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: NYSE Euronext’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk and U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in NYSE Euronext’s reference document for 2007 ("document de référence") filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (Registered on May 15, 2008 under No. R. 08-054), 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers. In addition, these statements are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change. Accordingly, actual results may be materially higher or lower than those projected. The inclusion of such projections herein should not be regarded as a representation by NYSE Euronext that the projections will prove to be correct. This press release speaks only as of this date.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Source: http://www.nyse.com/press/1240396193058.html<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-6853387192788551572009-04-23T14:45:00.002+07:002009-04-23T14:48:15.497+07:00Insurance companies<div style="text-align: justify;">Insurance companies may be classified into two groups:<br /><br /><ul><li>Life insurance companies, which sell life insurance, annuities and pensions products.</li></ul><br /><ul><li>Non-life, General, or Property/Casualty insurance companies, which sell other types of insurance.</li></ul><br />General insurance companies can be further divided into these sub categories.<br /><br /><ul><li>Standard Lines</li></ul><br /><ul><li>Excess Lines</li></ul><br />In most countries, life and non-life insurers are subject to different regulatory regimes and different tax and accounting rules. The main reason for the distinction between the two types of company is that life, annuity, and pension business is very long-term in nature — coverage for life assurance or a pension can cover risks over many decades. By contrast, non-life insurance cover usually covers a shorter period, such as one year.<br /><br />In the United States, standard line insurance companies are "mainstream" insurers. These are the companies that typically insure autos, homes or businesses. They use pattern or "cookie-cutter" policies without variation from one person to the next. They usually have lower premiums than excess lines and can sell directly to individuals. They are regulated by state laws that can restrict the amount they can charge for insurance policies.<br /><br />Excess line insurance companies (aka Excess and Surplus) typically insure risks not covered by the standard lines market. They are broadly referred as being all insurance placed with non-admitted insurers. Non-admitted insurers are not licensed in the states where the risks are located. These companies have more flexibility and can react faster than standard insurance companies because they are not required to file rates and forms as the "admitted" carriers do. However, they still have substantial regulatory requirements placed upon them. State laws generally require insurance placed with surplus line agents and brokers not to be available through standard licensed insurers.<br /><br />Insurance companies are generally classified as either mutual or stock companies. Mutual companies are owned by the policyholders, while stockholders (who may or may not own policies) own stock insurance companies. Demutualization of mutual insurers to form stock companies, as well as the formation of a hybrid known as a mutual holding company, became common in some countries, such as the United States, in the late 20th century. Other possible forms for an insurance company include reciprocals, in which policyholders 'reciprocate' in sharing risks, and Lloyds organizations.<br /><br />Insurance companies are rated by various agencies such as A. M. Best. The ratings include the company's financial strength, which measures its ability to pay claims. It also rates financial instruments issued by the insurance company, such as bonds, notes, and securitization products.<br /><br />Reinsurance companies are insurance companies that sell policies to other insurance companies, allowing them to reduce their risks and protect themselves from very large losses. The reinsurance market is dominated by a few very large companies, with huge reserves. A reinsurer may also be a direct writer of insurance risks as well.<br /><br />Captive insurance companies may be defined as limited-purpose insurance companies established with the specific objective of financing risks emanating from their parent group or groups. This definition can sometimes be extended to include some of the risks of the parent company's customers. In short, it is an in-house self-insurance vehicle. Captives may take the form of a "pure" entity (which is a 100% subsidiary of the self-insured parent company); of a "mutual" captive (which insures the collective risks of members of an industry); and of an "association" captive (which self-insures individual risks of the members of a professional, commercial or industrial association). Captives represent commercial, economic and tax advantages to their sponsors because of the reductions in costs they help create and for the ease of insurance risk management and the flexibility for cash flows they generate. Additionally, they may provide coverage of risks which is neither available nor offered in the traditional insurance market at reasonable prices.<br /><br />The types of risk that a captive can underwrite for their parents include property damage, public and product liability, professional indemnity, employee benefits, employers' liability, motor and medical aid expenses. The captive's exposure to such risks may be limited by the use of reinsurance.<br /><br />Captives are becoming an increasingly important component of the risk management and risk financing strategy of their parent. This can be understood against the following background:<br /><br /> * heavy and increasing premium costs in almost every line of coverage;<br /> * difficulties in insuring certain types of fortuitous risk;<br /> * differential coverage standards in various parts of the world;<br /> * rating structures which reflect market trends rather than individual loss experience;<br /> * insufficient credit for deductibles and/or loss control efforts.<br /><br />There are also companies known as 'insurance consultants'. Like a mortgage broker, these companies are paid a fee by the customer to shop around for the best insurance policy amongst many companies. Similar to an insurance consultant, an 'insurance broker' also shops around for the best insurance policy amongst many companies. However, with insurance brokers, the fee is usually paid in the form of commission from the insurer that is selected rather than directly from the client.<br /><br />Neither insurance consultants nor insurance brokers are insurance companies and no risks are transferred to them in insurance transactions. Third party administrators are companies that perform underwriting and sometimes claims handling services for insurance companies. These companies often have special expertise that the insurance companies do not have.<br /><br />The financial stability and strength of an insurance company should be a major consideration when buying an insurance contract. An insurance premium paid currently provides coverage for losses that might arise many years in the future. For that reason, the viability of the insurance carrier is very important. In recent years, a number of insurance companies have become insolvent, leaving their policyholders with no coverage (or coverage only from a government-backed insurance pool or other arrangement with less attractive payouts for losses). A number of independent rating agencies, such as Best's, Fitch, Standard & Poor's, and Moody's Investors Service, provide information and rate the financial viability of insurance companies.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><h2 style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="mw-headline">Global insurance industry</span></span></h2>Global insurance premiums grew by 11% in 2007 (or 3.3% in real terms) to reach $4.1 trillion. The macro-economic environment was characterised by slower economic growth in 2007 and rising inflation. Profitability improved in life insurance and fell slighlty in the non-life sector during the year. Life insurance premiums grew by 12.6%, accelerating in the advanced economies with the exception of Japan and Continental Europe. Non-life insurance premiums grew by 7.6% during the year. Figures for premium income are not yet available for 2008, but the insurance industry is likely to see a slowdown in new business and falling investment revenue. <p>Advanced economies account for the bulk of global insurance. With premium income of $1,681bn, Europe was the most important region, followed by North America ($1,330bn) and Asia ($814bn). The top four countries accounted for nearly 60% of premiums in 2007. The US and UK alone accounted for 42% of world insurance, much higher than their 7% share of the global population. Emerging markets accounted for over 85% of the world’s population but generated only around 10% of premiums.</p><br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance<br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-65024827613022404222009-04-23T14:28:00.002+07:002009-04-23T14:41:22.617+07:00Principles of insurance<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Commercially insurable risk</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">s typically share seven common characteristics.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfAbZcCss-I/AAAAAAAAAMI/pKoFSsieP2s/s1600-h/170px-Assorted_United_States_coins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 181px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SfAbZcCss-I/AAAAAAAAAMI/pKoFSsieP2s/s400/170px-Assorted_United_States_coins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327788483017487330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. A large number of homogeneous exposure units. </span><br />The vast majority of insurance policies are provided for individual members of very large classes. Automobile insurance, for example, covered about 175 million automobiles in the United States in 2004.[2] The existence of a large number of homogeneous exposure units allows insurers to benefit from the so-called “law of large numbers,” which in effect states that as the number of exposure units increases, the actual results are increasingly likely to become close to expected results. There are exceptions to this criterion. Lloyd's of London is famous for insuring the life or health of actors, actresses and sports figures. Satellite Launch insurance covers events that are infrequent. Large commercial property policies may insure exceptional properties for which there are no ‘homogeneous’ exposure units. Despite failing on this criterion, many exposures like these are generally considered to be insurable.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Definite Loss. </span><br />The event that gives rise to the loss that is subject to the insured, at least in principle, take place at a known time, in a known place, and from a known cause. The classic example is death of an insured person on a life insurance policy. Fire, automobile accidents, and worker injuries may all easily meet this criterion. Other types of losses may only be definite in theory. Occupational disease, for instance, may involve prolonged exposure to injurious conditions where no specific time, place or cause is identifiable. Ideally, the time, place and cause of a loss should be clear enough that a reasonable person, with sufficient information, could objectively verify all three elements.<br /><br />3. Accidental Loss.<br />The event that constitutes the trigger of a claim should be fortuitous, or at least outside the control of the beneficiary of the insurance. The loss should be ‘pure,’ in the sense that it results from an event for which there is only the opportunity for cost. Events that contain speculative elements, such as ordinary business risks, are generally not considered insurable.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Large Loss.</span><br />The size of the loss must be meaningful from the perspective of the insured. Insurance premiums need to cover both the expected cost of losses, plus the cost of issuing and administering the policy, adjusting losses, and supplying the capital needed to reasonably assure that the insurer will be able to pay claims. For small losses these latter costs may be several times the size of the expected cost of losses. There is little point in paying such costs unless the protection offered has real value to a buyer.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Affordable Premium. </span><br />If the likelihood of an insured event is so high, or the cost of the event so large, that the resulting premium is large relative to the amount of protection offered, it is not likely that anyone will buy insurance, even if on offer. Further, as the accounting profession formally recognizes in financial accounting standards, the premium cannot be so large that there is not a reasonable chance of a significant loss to the insurer. If there is no such chance of loss, the transaction may have the form of insurance, but not the substance. (See the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board standard number 113)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Calculable Loss.</span><br />There are two elements that must be at least estimable, if not formally calculable: the probability of loss, and the attendant cost. Probability of loss is generally an empirical exercise, while cost has more to do with the ability of a reasonable person in possession of a copy of the insurance policy and a proof of loss associated with a claim presented under that policy to make a reasonably definite and objective evaluation of the amount of the loss recoverable as a result of the claim.<br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Limited risk of catastrophically large losses. </span><br />The essential risk is often aggregation. If the same event can cause losses to numerous policyholders of the same insurer, the ability of that insurer to issue policies becomes constrained, not by factors surrounding the individual characteristics of a given policyholder, but by the factors surrounding the sum of all policyholders so exposed. Typically, insurers prefer to limit their exposure to a loss from a single event to some small portion of their capital base, on the order of 5 percent. Where the loss can be aggregated, or an individual policy could produce exceptionally large claims, the capital constraint will restrict an insurer's appetite for additional policyholders. The classic example is earthquake insurance, where the ability of an underwriter to issue a new policy depends on the number and size of the policies that it has already underwritten. Wind insurance in hurricane zones, particularly along coast lines, is another example of this phenomenon. In extreme cases, the aggregation can affect the entire industry, since the combined capital of insurers and reinsurers can be small compared to the needs of potential policyholders in areas exposed to aggregation risk. In commercial fire insurance it is possible to find single properties whose total exposed value is well in excess of any individual insurer’s capital constraint. Such properties are generally shared among several insurers, or are insured by a single insurer who syndicates the risk into the reinsurance market.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">History of insurance</span><br /><br />In some sense we can say that insurance appears simultaneously with the appearance of human society. We know of two types of economies in human societies: money economies (with markets, money, financial instruments and so on) and non-money or natural economies (without money, markets, financial instruments and so on). The second type is a more ancient form than the first. In such an economy and community, we can see insurance in the form of people helping each other. For example, if a house burns down, the members of the community help build a new one. Should the same thing happen to one's neighbour, the other neighbours must help. Otherwise, neighbours will not receive help in the future. This type of insurance has survived to the present day in some countries where modern money economy with its financial instruments is not widespread (for example countries in the territory of the former Soviet Union).<br /><br />Turning to insurance in the modern sense (i.e., insurance in a modern money economy, in which insurance is part of the financial sphere), early methods of transferring or distributing risk were practised by Chinese and Babylonian traders as long ago as the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC, respectively.[8] Chinese merchants travelling treacherous river rapids would redistribute their wares across many vessels to limit the loss due to any single vessel's capsizing. The Babylonians developed a system which was recorded in the famous Code of Hammurabi, c. 1750 BC, and practised by early Mediterranean sailing merchants. If a merchant received a loan to fund his shipment, he would pay the lender an additional sum in exchange for the lender's guarantee to cancel the loan should the shipment be stolen.<br /><br />Achaemenian monarchs of Iran were the first to insure their people and made it official by registering the insuring process in governmental notary offices. The insurance tradition was performed each year in Norouz (beginning of the Iranian New Year); the heads of different ethnic groups as well as others willing to take part, presented gifts to the monarch. The most important gift was presented during a special ceremony. When a gift was worth more than 10,000 Derrik (Achaemenian gold coin) the issue was registered in a special office. This was advantageous to those who presented such special gifts. For others, the presents were fairly assessed by the confidants of the court. Then the assessment was registered in special offices.<br /><br />The purpose of registering was that whenever the person who presented the gift registered by the court was in trouble, the monarch and the court would help him. Jahez, a historian and writer, writes in one of his books on ancient Iran: "[W]henever the owner of the present is in trouble or wants to construct a building, set up a feast, have his children married, etc. the one in charge of this in the court would check the registration. If the registered amount exceeded 10,000 Derrik, he or she would receive an amount of twice as much."[1]<br /><br />A thousand years later, the inhabitants of Rhodes invented the concept of the 'general average'. Merchants whose goods were being shipped together would pay a proportionally divided premium which would be used to reimburse any merchant whose goods were jettisoned during storm or sinkage.<br /><br />The Greeks and Romans introduced the origins of health and life insurance c. 600 AD when they organized guilds called "benevolent societies" which cared for the families and paid funeral expenses of members upon death. Guilds in the Middle Ages served a similar purpose. The Talmud deals with several aspects of insuring goods. Before insurance was established in the late 17th century, "friendly societies" existed in England, in which people donated amounts of money to a general sum that could be used for emergencies.<br /><br />Separate insurance contracts (i.e., insurance policies not bundled with loans or other kinds of contracts) were invented in Genoa in the 14th century, as were insurance pools backed by pledges of landed estates. These new insurance contracts allowed insurance to be separated from investment, a separation of roles that first proved useful in marine insurance. Insurance became far more sophisticated in post-Renaissance Europe, and specialized varieties developed.<br /><br />Toward the end of the seventeenth century, London's growing importance as a centre for trade increased demand for marine insurance. In the late 1680s, Edward Lloyd opened a coffee house that became a popular haunt of ship owners, merchants, and ships’ captains, and thereby a reliable source of the latest shipping news. It became the meeting place for parties wishing to insure cargoes and ships, and those willing to underwrite such ventures. Today, Lloyd's of London remains the leading market (note that it is not an insurance company) for marine and other specialist types of insurance, but it works rather differently than the more familiar kinds of insurance.<br /><br />Insurance as we know it today can be traced to the Great Fire of London, which in 1666 devoured 13,200 houses. In the aftermath of this disaster, Nicholas Barbon opened an office to insure buildings. In 1680, he established England's first fire insurance company, "The Fire Office," to insure brick and frame homes.<br /><br />The first insurance company in the United States underwrote fire insurance and was formed in Charles Town (modern-day Charleston), South Carolina, in 1732. Benjamin Franklin helped to popularize and make standard the practice of insurance, particularly against fire in the form of perpetual insurance. In 1752, he founded the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire. Franklin's company was the first to make contributions toward fire prevention. Not only did his company warn against certain fire hazards, it refused to insure certain buildings where the risk of fire was too great, such as all wooden houses. In the United States, regulation of the insurance industry is highly Balkanized, with primary responsibility assumed by individual state insurance departments. Whereas insurance markets have become centralized nationally and internationally, state insurance commissioners operate individually, though at times in concert through a national insurance commissioners' organization. In recent years, some have called for a dual state and federal regulatory system (commonly referred to as the Optional federal charter (OFC)) for insurance similar to that which oversees state banks and national banks.<br /></div><br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-76680870747294090532009-04-22T13:30:00.004+07:002009-04-22T13:44:11.079+07:00Seven Tips for Muslim BusinessesHow to Increase"Profits and Help The Muslim Economy Grow"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Se68QKcTMOI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Vy0YnyzrUG0/s1600-h/0006879.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 488px; height: 173px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Se68QKcTMOI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Vy0YnyzrUG0/s320/0006879.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327402395092857058" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />“I live in a suburban where there are 3 "Halal" meat stores within a 5 mile area, and another which is about 30 minutes away. I am an "American" Muslimah. In the three stores owned by Pakistani/Indian businessmen, the treatment I receive is terrible. In addition, the stores are filthy and no health code is followed. Blood from the meat is spread from meat counter to checkout counter, hands to money and pens, etc. In the store that is further away, the owner has argued and almost had fist fights with customers, and will not disclose his meat source. I have gone to great lengths to continue to buy Halal meat, but I feel that doing business with these people is not something I can continue to do." (Comment in the Halal and Healthy forum of the Sound Vision website, July 22, 1999)</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Muslim consumers are often criticized for not doing enough to support Muslim businesses, whether it's paying the extra dollar (or two or three or four) to buy products, or to drive the extra mile (or two or three or four) to get to the store.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> But what is rarely discussed in the North American context is what obligation Muslim businesses, especially Halal grocery stores, have to the Muslim community.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> The above-mentioned complaint is not a reflection of all Halal grocery stores. However, the problems outlined in it cannot be ignored.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> If Muslim businesses want the support of Muslim consumers, they will have to do more to accommodate them, provide better service and prices.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> New York-based Muslim social scientist Ilyas Bayunus conducted a study in which he found that Chicago has a Muslim population of about 300,000. The state of Illinois has a population of 400,000.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> This indicates the tremendous buying power of Muslims in this city and this state.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> In Chicago alone, there are a minimum of 60 retail Halal meat shops that are owned and operated by Muslims.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Currently, the Halal meat business makes close to $5 million a year. But the potential profit could be as high as $60 to $80 million. The market hasn't developed for a number of reasons, some of them can be attributed to Muslim consumers, others to Muslim businesses.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Below are some tips on how you can improve service and profits of your Halal business. This can be applied to all business, not just the meat business:</span><br /> <b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br />1. MAKE PROFIT THE SECONDARY AIM</b><br /><b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </b> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> The first goal of a Muslim business should not be cashing in on a Muslim market. It should be pleasing Allah and establishing Halal as a way of life.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Seeking profit is not a bad aim, but it should be secondary.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> By making Allah the goal, and implementing Islamic rules of honesty, truthfulness, and good behavior with customers, Insha Allah, any Muslim business is bound to boom.</span><br /> <b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br />2. BE TRUTHFUL AND HONEST</b><br /><b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </b> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> The Prophet has said the the honest and truthful businessman will be in Jannah amongst the Prophets the Truthful and the martyrs. Honesty and truthfulness are essential in this business. And when it comes to Muslim businesses, it means building a relationship of trust with customers, which cannot be done with lies and deceit.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">3. BE OPEN TO SCRUTINY AND CRITICISM</b><br /><b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </b> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> While this may be a bitter pill to swallow, being ready to have your product or business scrutinized for cleanliness or the “Halalness” of products indicates a willingness to work with the consumer. This serves to build trust.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> For those business people who may feel hesitant or downright angry with a Muslim consumer for even asking about the acceptability of a given product in their store, remember that this is the right of the consumer.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Remember, ultimately, we are all responsible to Allah. If a business is cheating Muslims, Allah will eventually expose those involved.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> As well, a Halal business is not just one person's profit-making machine. It is also an institution of the Muslim community. Therefore, it must be ensured that it meets not just state and federal standards, but most importantly, the Quran and Sunnah's standards.</span> <b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />4.BE CLEAN!</b><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> This is especially important for Halal grocery stores where the presence of animal blood is expected. Not being careful of this means not only lost customers, but also possible sicknesses from the germs in the blood.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Cleanliness invites towards faith (Iman) and faith leads its possessor to paradise." (Tabarani)</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />This cleanliness, by the way, does not just apply to those areas of a store a customer will see. It includes equipment and storage areas as well.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">5. AIM FOR A HIGHER GOAL</b> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Don't just aim for one successful Halal grocery shop in your chosen neighborhood. Think big. Improve the inventory of your store, the types of items in it, and strive to find ways to improve service and profit margins.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> As well, look into the possibility of pooling resources within the Muslim community or with other shareholders to expand the business. Doing this will also reduce overhead costs and in the long run, the price of products for your consumers.</span> <b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />6. WORK WITH OTHERS IN YOUR MARKET</b> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Yes. This can be very difficult. Finger pointing, accusations and nasty rivalry often characterize Muslim businesses aiming to market the same products. But this is not the way a Muslim economy should work.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Brotherhood in the Ummah cannot be forgotten. Consider forming an association of Muslim meat retailers or distributors that can sit down together share experience, and learn to cooperate. This cooperation could, in the long run, benefit the Muslim consumer, and in turn the Muslim businesses themselves.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> One example of where cooperation can take place in the Halal meat industry is by having all grocers or butchers slaughtering the animals in one place, Instead of doing it the way it's been done since the beginning: every individual or couple of retailers slaughtering their own animals.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> By slaughtering in one place, costs are reduced, and in turn, the Muslim consumer pays less for the same product.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">7. DO NOT SELL THE HARAM</b> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />While there are more “Muslim” businesses sprouting up, not everything they sell is Islamic.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It is not difficult to find Muslim owned businesses selling pork, alcohol, pornographic magazines, and renting these kinds of movies on the one hand, while selling Halal meat on the other.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Of a less offensive nature, perhaps, are those businesses which sell Halal products but rent or sell cultural (especially Indo-Pakistani) movies. While these movies may seem harmless in comparison to those of the pornographic variety, what must be remembered is that when Muslim parents and elders indulge in watching such cultural films, their children can very easily find an excuse to watch their own “cultural” films (i.e. American-Hollywood).</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> This requires efforts on the part of Muslim business owners to wipe out the Haram and ensure the Halal in their businesses.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> A telling anecdote about Haram business practices was provided by Imam Siraj Wahhaj of Brooklyn, New York during a Khutbah.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> He recounted the case of a Muslim who owned a shop that sold newspapers and magazines-including pornographic magazines. The Imam tried to convince the Muslim brother to stop selling these publications. At one point he agreed, and removed them from his shelves.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> But after a while, Imam Wahhaj noticed they were back on the shelves. When he asked the brother about their reappearance, he said he was losing money.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Shortly after that, the entire store was destroyed in a fire.<br /><br />Source: http://www.soundvision.com/Info/halalhealthy/7tipmusbus.asp<br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-25705292423886154922009-04-21T15:17:00.003+07:002009-04-22T12:16:25.873+07:00Samsung i900 Omnia review: The whole nine yards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Se2Bu6SK3qI/AAAAAAAAALw/QgmYTW8v7oM/s1600-h/gsmarena_004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Se2Bu6SK3qI/AAAAAAAAALw/QgmYTW8v7oM/s320/gsmarena_004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327056577168596642" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><h3>Introduction</h3> <p>Now that the dust of the Diamond vs. Omnia PocketPC battle settles down, our up close and personal look at the rivals continues with Samsung i900 Omnia. Slick looks, great feature-pack and ingenious software solutions are things that hold true for the i900 Omnia in the same extent as for the Diamond.</p><p><br /></p> <p>And since the Samsung i900 Omnia boasts loads of character and personality it's no wonder it holds the crowd hooked ever since it was announced. The first five megapixel Windows Mobile cameraphone has inspired quite a following and now that it's already market available in Europe we are more than happy to welcome the Omnia back after a well deserved breather. Well then, we've seen it race, let's watch it cruise. </p></span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"><h3>Key features:</h3> <ul><li>Quad-band GSM support<br /></li><li>3G with HSDPA 7.2 Mbps<br /></li><li>Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional OS<br /></li><li>624MHz Marvell PXA312 CPU and 128 MB RAM<br /></li><li>3.2" 65K-color touchscreen with resolution of 240 x 400 pixels<br /></li><li>5 megapixel autofocus camera with wide dynamic range mode, face tracking, smile detection, geotagging<br /></li><li>8 to 16 GB of storage memory, microSD expansion<br /></li><li>Built-in GPS receiver with A-GPS<br /></li><li>Wi-Fi<br /></li><li>Stereo Bluetooth and USB connectivity<br /></li><li>FM radio with RDS<br /></li><li>Optical joystick with virtual mouse functionality<br /></li><li>Built-in accelerometer for auto screen rotation and call muting<br /></li><li>TV-out<br /></li><li>Solid build and great finish<br /></li><li>Slick design and slim body<br /></li><li>Nice battery life<br /></li><li>Fast response and performance<br /></li><li>Excellent thumb-optimized software package<br /></li><li>Thumbable virtual QWERTY keyboard with optional landscape mode<br /></li><li>TouchWiz UI<br /></li><li>DivX video support right out of the box<br /></li><li>Above average audio quality </li><li>Headset comes with a 3.5mm audio jack </li></ul></span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"> <h3>Main disadvantages:</h3> <ul><li>No stylus slot<br /></li><li>Poor sunlight legibility<br /></li><li>Memory card not hot-swappable<br /></li><li>Non-standard display resolution<br /></li><li>No dedicated 3D accelerator<br /></li><li>Non-standard USB port<br /></li><li>Web browser lacks real Flash support </li></ul></span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"> <p>The PocketPC mid-season may as well be a hush before the storm with the HTC Touch Pro and Xperia waiting to be unleashed. But for now we have two other bitter rivals to keep us busy: Samsung i900 Omnia and HTC Touch Diamond. It truly is a great achievement for Samsung to have a gadget fit to stand up to the top PocketPC manufacturer HTC.</p></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The two devices are doing a great job standing their ground to the Apple iPhone 3G and it's no wonder since each of them is technically more advanced than Apple's creation. In fact, they have a lot of things in common with the iPhone - the full Touch UI, the nice multimedia capabilities and the superior web browsing experience. But we digress. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">We already saw the Diamond and Omnia in action and you're free to replay the game <a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_touch_diamond_vs_samsung_i900_omnia-review-262.php">here</a>. The Diamond surely has a few things to offer over the Omnia (VGA screen, smaller size, 3D acceleration, and magnetic stylus) but it also has its issues here and there to make it a tough call indeed. We do hope however that this review will bring you a little closer to deciding your allegiance.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">Some of you that have already gone through the Diamond vs Omnia article might be probably wondering if this review is worth your time. Well, truthfully, we have put our every effort to make it worth it.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">First of all, since we finished the grand battle between these two high-end handsets, we received a final retail unit of the Samsung Omnia, which proved much better both in performance and software equipment. We've taken care to reflect all those changes in this review. And there's even more:</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>we've added more than 70 new interface screenshots (and there are new studio shots too)<br /></li><li>we've added a whole bunch of camera samples from the retail unit<br /></li><li>we've covered new topics such as the FM radio, the organizer, the mobile office and the full range of pre-installed applications<br /></li><li>we've covered the Opera 9.5 web browser in greater detail</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">So if we've got you interested enough, take the jump to the hardware inspection of Samsung i900 Omnia</p>Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i900_omnia-review-267.php<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-27560000305176653812009-04-21T14:54:00.004+07:002009-04-22T13:50:31.727+07:00Sport utility vehicle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Se69oeMqi2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/uhFVwun0lis/s1600-h/220px-Wikitbss.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Se69oeMqi2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/uhFVwun0lis/s320/220px-Wikitbss.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327403912224476002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a generic marketing description for a vehicle similar to a station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis.[1] Usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on or off-road ability, some SUVs include the towing capacity of a pickup truck with the passenger-carrying space of a minivan. SUVs are considered light trucks and often share the same platforms of pickups and thus are regulated less stringently than passenger cars under two major laws in the U.S.—the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for fuel economy standards, and the Clean Air Act for emissions standards[2]<br /><br />It is known in some countries as an "off-road vehicle" or "four-wheel drive", often abbreviated to "4WD" or "4x4", pronounced "four-by-four". However, not all SUVs have four-wheel drive capabilities. Conversely, not all 4WD passenger vehicles are SUVs. Off-road vehicles are a very different class of vehicles, being vehicles primarily built for off-road use. However this distinction is often not made by the general public and in the media. Although some SUVs have off-road capabilities, this is often a secondary role and they often do not have the ability to switch between 2WD, 4WD high gearing and 4WD low gearing. While automakers frequently tout a particular SUV's off-road prowess with advertising and naming, the daily use of SUVs is largely paved roads and urban areas. This also causes the term SUV to be used as a denigrating term by owners of "real" off-road vehicles.<br /><br />Initially extremely popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the SUV's popularity has since declined. Due to high oil prices and a declining economy since the mid-2000s, manufacturers have responded to buyers' complaints. The traditional truck-based SUV is gradually being supplanted by a new vehicle type, the crossover SUV, which uses an automobile platform for lighter weight and better fuel efficiency.<br />Design characteristics<br /><br />Although designs vary, the SUVs have historically been mid-sized passenger vehicles constructed using a body-on-frame chassis similar to that found on light trucks. They usually have gasoline engines, often employing similar engines as pickup trucks, while a few SUVs are diesels.<br /><br />Most SUVs are designed with a square cross-section, an engine compartment, a combined passenger and cargo compartment, and no dedicated trunk (i.e. a station wagon body). Most mid-size and full-size SUVs have three rows of seats with a cargo area directly behind the last row of seats. Compact SUVs and mini SUVs may have five or fewer seats, especially if they are based on a car platform instead of a light truck.<br /><br />A few of the most known design characteristics of SUVs are their high ground clearance, upright, boxy body, and high H-point. Lately, SUV bodies have become more aerodynamic to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel economy.<br />History<br />Origins<br /><br />Early Sport utility vehicles were descendants from commercial and military vehicles such as the World War II Jeep[3] and Land Rover.[4] SUVs have been popular for many years with rural buyers due to their off-road capabilities.<br /><br />The earliest examples of longer-wheelbase wagon-type SUVs were the GAZ-61 (1938), Willys Jeep Wagon (1948), Land Rover Series II 109 (1958), and the International Harvester Scout 80 (1961). These were followed by the more 'modern' Jeep Wagoneer (1963), International Harvester Scout II (1971), Ford Bronco (1966), Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-55 (1968), the Chevrolet Blazer / GMC Jimmy (1969), and the Land Rover Range Rover (1970).<br /><br />The transportation curator at the Henry Ford Museum, Robert Casey, contends persuasively that the Cherokee was the first true sport utility vehicle in the modern understanding of the term.[5] Marketed to urban families as a substitute for a traditional car, the Chrerokee had four wheel drive in a more manageable size (compared to the full-size Wagoneer), as well as a plush interior resembling a station wagon.[5] With the introduction of more luxurious models and a much more powerful 4-liter engine, sales of the Cherokee zoomed even higher as the price of gasoline fell, and the term "sport utility vehicle" began to be used in the national press for the first time.[5]<br /><br />The increase in SUV sales was assisted by a legislative loophole. Created in the 1970s, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards were established as minimums for passenger vehicles. Exceptions were granted business and farm vehicles. Car manufacturers utilized this loophole by selling SUVs as work vehicles.[6] In the last 25 years, and even more in the last decade, the popularity of SUVs has increased among urban drivers. Consequently, more modern SUVs often come with luxury features and some crossover SUVs have adopted lower ride heights and use unibody construction to better accommodate on-road driving.<br /><br />Author Keith Bradsher, has linked the rise of the SUV directly to American Motors' (AMC) lobbying the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a waiver to the Clean Air Act: as a result, the EPA designated AMC's compact Cherokee a "light truck", which enabled the company to market it to everyday drivers.[7] This in turn led to the SUV boom when other automakers marketed their own imitators in response to the Cherokee taking sales from their regular cars.[8]<br />Popularity<br /><br />SUVs became popular in the United States, Canada, and Australia in the 1990s and early 2000s for a variety of reasons, this trend was known as the SUV craze<br /><br />US automakers could enjoy profit margins of $10,000 per SUV, while losing a few hundred dollars on a compact car. [9] For instance, the Ford Excursion could net the company $18,000, while they could not break even with the Ford Focus unless the buyer chose options.[10][11] This led to Detroit's big three automakers focusing resources and design on SUVs over small cars (small cars were sold mainly to attract young buyers with inexpensive options and to increase their fleet average fuel economies to meet federal standards). The high wages of unionized workers in the United States and Canada (members of the UAW and CAW, respectively), compared to non-union workers such as that of Toyota, meant that it was unprofitable to have them build small cars.[12] The General Motors Arlington, Texas factory where rear-wheel drive cars were built, such as the Chevrolet Caprice, Buick Roadmaster, and Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was converted to truck and SUV production, putting an end to full-size family station wagon and overall terminating production of rear-wheel drive full-size cars. As a result of the shift in the Big Three's strategy, many long-running cars like the Ford Taurus, Buick Century, and Pontiac Grand Prix eventually fell behind their Japanese competition in features and image (relying more upon fleet sales instead of retail and/or heavy incentive discounts), some being discontinued. [13] [14] [15] [16]<br /><br />Vehicle buyers were drawn to their large cabins, higher ride height, and perceived safety. Full-sized SUVs often offered features such as 3-row seating, so they effectively replaced full-size station wagons and minivans; wagons were seen as old-fashioned, while minivans generally had poor road handling. Additionally, full-size SUVs have greater towing capabilities than conventional cars, and can haul trailers, travel trailers (caravans) and boats. Increased ground clearance is useful in climates with heavy snow. The very low oil prices of the 1990s helped to keep down running costs. The SUV's utilitarian image may partially explain its popularity, not least among some women, who constitute more than half of all SUV drivers. For women in the United States, an SUV is one of the most popular vehicle choices. [17][18]<br /><br />In Australia, SUV sales were helped by the fact that SUVs attracted much lower import duty than cars, so that they cost less than similarly-equipped imported sedan. However this gap has been narrowed, as the import duty on cars has now been lowered to 10%, compared with 5% for SUVs.<br /><br />Due to high oil prices and a declining economy since the mid-2000s, sales of SUVs and other light trucks have fallen. In June 2008, General Motors announced plans to close four plants manufacturing trucks and SUVs, including the Oshawa Truck Assembly.[12] The company cited decreased sales of large vehicles in the wake of rising fuel prices.[19] The business model of focusing on SUVs and light trucks, at the expense of more fuel-efficient compact and midsized cars, is blamed for declining sales and profits among Detroit's Big Three automakers since the mid-late 2000s. The Big Three were unable to adapt as quickly as their Japanese rivals to produce small cars to meet growing demand. This was due to inflexible manufacturing facilities, and the high wages of unionized workers in the United States and Canada (members of the UAW and CAW, respectively) which make it unprofitable to build small cars.[12][20][21]<br />Use in remote areas<br /><br />SUVs are often used in places such as the Australian Outback, Africa, the Middle East, Alaska, Northern Canada, the Western United States, Iceland, South America, and most of Asia that have limited paved roads and require the vehicle to have all-terrain handling, increased range, and storage capacity. The low availability of spare parts and the need to carry out repairs quickly allow model vehicles with the bare minimum of electric and hydraulic systems to predominate. Examples include the basic versions of the Land Rover, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota Land Cruiser. SUVs intended for use in urbanised areas have traditionally been developed from their more rugged all-terrain counterparts. For example the Hummer H1 was derived from the HMMWV, originally developed for the Military of the United States.<br /><br />As many SUV owners never actually exploit the off-road capabilities of their vehicle, newer SUVs (including crossovers) now have lower ground clearance and suspension designed primarily for paved roads.[22]<br /><br />Some SUVs are also used by families with children to have more room than sedans and by families living in areas where gravel roads in summer and winter snow and ice require 4-wheel drive.<br />Use in recreation and motorsport<br />SUVs are also used to explore places otherwise unreachable by other vehicles. In Australia, China, Europe, South Africa, South America and the United States at least, 4WD clubs have been formed for this purpose. Modified SUVs also take part in races, including the Paris-Dakar Rally and the Australian Outback.<br />Luxury SUV<br /><br />Numerous luxury vehicles in the form of SUVs and pickup trucks are being produced. This is principally a marketing term to sell fancier vehicles that may have higher performance, comfort, technology, or brand image. The term lacks both measurability and verifiability and it is applied to a broad range of SUV sizes and types.<br /><br />Nevertheless, the marketing category was created in 1966 with Kaiser Jeep's luxurious Super Wagoneer.[23][24] This was the first SUV to offer a V8 engine, automatic transmission, and luxury car trim and equipment in a serious off-road model. It came with bucket seating, air conditioning, sun roof, and even a vinyl roof. Land Rover followed suit in 1970 by releasing the Range Rover and the more popular Freelander in Britain. The trend continued with other competitors adding comfort appointments to their mostly rudimentary and truck-based models.<br /><br />The SUV market expanded, and the "luxury" models in particular, during the late 1990s due to their higher profit margins than from building ordinary automobiles.[25][26] Notably, for some automakers, these were the first SUV models they produced. Some of these models are not traditional light-truck based SUVs because they are classified as crossovers.<br />Other names<br /><br />In countries such as the UK, where the U.S. distinction between cars and "light trucks" is not used, they are classified as cars although "car" is generically used to refer to almost all consumer motor vehicles regardless. Popular names in general use include "Land Rover" and "Jeep" that are used to describe the vehicle class, and not just a single manufacturer's product. This practice was actively discouraged by every owner of the Jeep trademark, but this terminology is still in widespread use - even in Germany for example - due to the pioneering and defining influence of these first products. The term "Chelsea Tractor" has become a common derogatory name for such vehicles when used in urban areas where their four-wheel drive capabilities are not required.[27] The term "4X4" (four-by-four) is also common even for vehicles not used in urban areas, "AWD" is not common in the UK.<br /><br />In Australia and New Zealand the term 'SUV' is not widely used and carries a negative connotation of very large, American vehicles which are not sold in Australia[citation needed]. Passenger class vehicles designed for offroad use are known as 'four wheel drives', or '4WDs', or '4X4s'. Some manufacturers do refer to their products as SUVs, but others invent names such as XUV [28] or Action Utility Vehicles (AUVs)[29]. The term 'AWD', or All Wheel Drive is used for any vehicle that drives all four wheels but is not designed for any offroad use. The crossover is a marketing term to indicate a vehicle is both 4WD and roadcar, but in reality, crossovers are designed for the road.<br /><br />The Australian "utility" or "ute" (an abbreviation of "coupe utility", a vehicle type created in Australia in 1934) traditionally refers to a car-based commercial vehicle with an open load area at the rear. Utes can be 2WD or 4WD, and many are available in both formats. The term is also widely used in New Zealand. These vehicles are known in South Africa as bakkies, and elsewhere as pickups.<br /><br />Source: http://www.wikipidea.com<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-50224256099876183202009-04-21T10:09:00.001+07:002009-04-21T10:15:34.888+07:00Top 10 Investment Banking Interview Questions<span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>1. How do you value a company?</strong></span><p style="text-align: justify;">This question, or variations of it, should be answered by talking about 2 primary valuation methodologies:</p><ol style="text-align: justify;" start="1"><li>Intrinsic value (discounted cash flow valuation)</li><li>Relative valuation (comparables/multiples valuation) </li></ol><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><strong>Intrinsic value (DCF)</strong> - This approach is the more academically respected approach. The DCF says that the value of a productive asset equals the present value of its cash flows. The answer should run along the line of “project free cash flows for 5-20 years, depending on the availability and reliability of information, and then calculate a terminal value. Discount both the free cash flow projections and terminal value by an appropriate cost of capital (weighted average cost of capital for unlevered DCF and cost of equity for levered DCF). In an unlevered DCF (the more common approach) this will yield the company’s enterprise value (aka firm and transaction value), from which we need to subtract net debt to arrive at equity value. Divide equity value by diluted shares outstanding to arrive at equity value per share. </li><li><strong>Relative valuation (Multiples)</strong> - The second approach involves determining a comparable peer group – companies that are in the same industry with similar operational, growth, risk, and return on capital characteristics. Truly identical companies of course do not exist, but you should attempt to find as close to comparable companies as possible. Calculate appropriate industry multiples. Apply the median of these multiples on the relevant operating metric of the target company to arrive at a valuation. Common multiples are EV/Rev, EV/EBITDA, P/E, P/Book, although some industries place more emphasis on some multiples vs. others, while other industries use different valuation multiples altogether. It is not a bad idea to research an industry or two (the easiest way is to read an industry report by a sell-side analyst) before the interview to anticipate a follow-up question like “tell me about a particular industry you are interested in and the valuation multiples commonly used.” <br /></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>2. What is the appropriate discount rate to use in an unlevered DCF analysis?</strong></span></h2><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Since the free cash flows in an unlevered DCF analysis are pre-debt (i.e. a helpful way to think about this is to think of unlevered cash flows as the company’s cash flows as if it had no debt – so no interest expense, and no tax benefit from that interest expense), the cost of the cash flows relate to both the lenders and the equity providers of capital. Thus, the discount rate is the weighted average cost of capital to all providers of capital (both debt and equity). </li><li>The cost of debt is readily observable in the market as the yield on debt with equivalent risk, while the cost of equity is more difficult to estimate. </li><li>Cost of equity is typically estimated using the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), which links the expected return of equity to its sensitivity to the overall market (see WSP’s DCF module for a detailed analysis of calculating the cost of equity).<br /></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>3. What is typically higher – the cost of debt or the cost of equity?</strong></span></h2><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The cost of equity is higher than the cost of debt because the cost associated with borrowing debt (interest expense) is tax deductible, creating a tax shield. Additionally, the cost of equity is typically higher because unlike lenders, equity investors are not guaranteed fixed payments, and are last in line at liquidation. <br /></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>4. How do you calculate the cost of equity?</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">There are several competing models for estimating the cost of equity, however, the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is predominantly used on the street. The CAPM links the expected return of a security to its sensitivity the overall market basket (often proxied using the S&P 500). The formula is: </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cost of equity (re) = Risk free rate (rf) + β x Market risk premium (rm-rf ) </p><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><strong>Risk free rate:</strong> The risk free rate should theoretically reflect yield to maturity of a default-free government bonds of equivalent maturity to the duration of each cash flows being discounted. In practice, lack of liquidity in long term bonds have made the current yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds as the preferred proxy for the risk-free rate for US companies. </li><li><strong>Market risk premium:</strong> The market risk premium (rm-rf) represents the excess returns of investing in stocks over the risk free rate. Practitioners often use the historical excess returns method, and compare historical spreads between S&P 500 returns and the yield on 10 year treasury bonds.</li><li><strong>Beta (β):</strong> Beta provides a method to estimate the degree of an asset’s systematic (non-diversifiable) risk. Beta equals the covariance between expected returns on the asset and on the stock market, divided by the variance of expected returns on the stock market. A company whose equity has a beta of 1.0 is “as risky” as the overall stock market and should therefore be expected to provide returns to investors that rise and fall as fast as the stock market. A company with an equity beta of 2.0 should see returns on its equity rise twice as fast or drop twice as fast as the overall market.<br /></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>5. How would you calculate beta for a company?</strong></span> </h2><p style="text-align: justify;">Calculating raw betas from historical returns and even projected betas is an imprecise measurement of future beta because of estimation errors (i.e. standard errors create a large potential range for beta). As a result, it is recommended that we use an industry beta. Of course, since the betas of comparable companies are distorted because of different rates of leverage, we should unlever the betas of these comparable companies as such:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>β Unlevered = β(Levered) / [1+ (Debt/Equity) (1-T)] </li></ul><p style="text-align: justify;">Then, once an average unlevered beta is calculated, relever this beta at the target company’s capital structure:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>β Levered = β(Unlevered) x [1+(Debt/Equity) (1-T)] </li></ul><h2 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>6. How do you calculate unlevered free cash flows for DCF analysis?</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">Free cash flows = Operating profit (EBIT) * (1 –tax rate) + depreciation & amortization – changes in net working capital – capital expenditures <br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>7. What is the appropriate numerator for a revenue multiple?</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">The answer is enterprise value. The question tests whether you understand the difference between equity value and enterprise value and their relevance to multiples. Equity value = Enterprise value – Net Debt (where net debt = gross debt and debt equivalents – excess cash).<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">EBIT, EBITDA, unlevered cash flow, and revenue multiples all have enterprise value as the numerator because the denominator is an unlevered (pre-debt) measure of profitability. Conversely, EPS, after-tax cash flows, and book value of equity all have equity value as the numerator because the denominator is levered – or post-debt.<br /></p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>8. How would you value a company with negative historical cash flows?</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">Given that negative profitability will make most multiples analyses meaningless, a DCF valuation approach is appropriate here.<br /></p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>9. When should you value a company using a revenue multiple vs. EBITDA?</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">Companies with negative profits and EBITDA will have meaningless EBITDA multiples. As a result, Revenue multiples are more insightful. <br /></p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>10. Two companies are identical in earnings, growth prospects, leverage, returns on capital, and risk. Company A is trading at a 15 P/E multiple, while the other trades at 10 P/E. Which would you prefer as an investment?</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">10 P/E: A rational investor would rather pay less per unit of ownership.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Source: http://www.wallstreetprep.com/blog/?blog_id=35<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-84947328908647826132009-04-21T01:02:00.005+07:002009-04-21T01:50:10.987+07:00Start Investing With Only $1,000<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SezDlr6NLRI/AAAAAAAAALg/-VHbdDTaUM0/s1600-h/1000-dollar-us-bill-front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 136px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SezDlr6NLRI/AAAAAAAAALg/-VHbdDTaUM0/s320/1000-dollar-us-bill-front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326847511481888018" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />So you have a $1,000 set aside, and you're ready to enter the world of investing. But before you jump head first into the world of stocks and bonds, there are a few things you need to consider. One of the biggest considerations for investors with a minimal amount of funds is not only what to invest in but also how to go about investing. Not long into your investment journey you may find yourself bombarded with minimum deposit restrictions, commissions and the need for diversification, among a myriad of other considerations. In this article, we'll walk you through getting started as an investor and show you how to maximize your returns by minimizing your costs.<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><strong style="font-weight: normal;">What are the account minimums?</strong></span><br />To the inexperienced investor, investing may seem simple enough - all you need to do is go to a brokerage firm and open up an account, right? What you may not know, however, is that all financial institutions have minimum deposit requirements. In other words, they won't accept your account application unless you deposit a certain amount of money. With a sum as small as $1,000, some firms won't allow you to open an account.</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Stocks</em><br />Stock brokers come in two flavors: full-service and discount. As the name implies, a full-service broker provides much more in the way of service, but it only deals with higher net worth clients. It's not unusual to see minimum account sizes of $50,000 and up at full-service brokerages.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">This leaves the $1,000-investor with the option of a discount broker. Discount brokers have considerably lower fees, but don't expect much in the way of hand-holding. Fees are low because you are in charge of all investment decisions – you can't call up and ask for investment advice. With $1,000, you are right on the cusp in terms of the minimum deposit. There will be some discount brokers that will take you and others that won't. You'll have to shop around.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">You also could purchase shares directly from a company through direct stock purchase plans (DSPPs). But some of these plans have a minimum investment amount restriction, which ranges between $100 and $500.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">With the advent of online trading, there are a number of discount brokers with no (or very low) minimum deposit restrictions. One of the most popular online trading sites is ShareBuilder. You will, however, be faced with other restrictions and see higher fees for certain types of trades. This is something an investor with a $1,000 starting balance should take into account if he or she wants to invest in stocks. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Mutual Funds and Bonds</em><br />If mutual funds or bonds are investments you would like to make, it is simpler in terms of minimum deposit amounts. Both of these can be purchased through brokerage firms, where similar deposit rules apply as stocks. Mutual funds also can be purchased through your local bank, often for less than $1,000 when you have an existing relationship with the bank.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">If you want to purchase government bonds, this can be done straight from the government through TreasuryDirect. The only restriction here is the minimum purchase amount of a bond, which can range from $100 to $1,000.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Learn the Costs of Investing</strong></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Commissions</em><br />Before you open an investment account, you must also consider the costs that you will incur from purchasing investments once the account is open. In most cases, every time you purchase an investment, it will cost you money (through commissions). With a limited amount of funds, these transaction fees can really put a dent on your $1,000.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">Investing in stocks can be very costly if you trade constantly, especially with a minimum amount of money available to invest. Every time that you trade stock, either buying or selling, you will incur a trading fee. Trading fees range from the low end of $10 per trade, but can be as high as $30 for some discount brokers. Remember, a trade is an order to purchase shares in one company - if you want to purchase five different stocks at the same time, this is seen as five separate trades and you will be charged for each one. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">Now, imagine that you decide to buy the stocks of those five companies with your $1,000. To do this you will incur $50 in trading costs, which is equivalent to 5% of your $1,000. If you were to fully invest the $1,000, your account would be reduced to $950 after trading costs. This represents a 5% loss, before you investments even have a chance to earn a cent!</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">If you were to sell these five stocks, you would once again incur the costs of the trades, which would be another $50. To make the round trip (buying and selling) on these five stocks it would cost you $100, or 10% of your initial deposit amount of $1,000. If your investments don't earn enough to cover this, you have lost money by just entering and exiting positions. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Mutual Fund Fees</em><br />There are many fees an investor will incur when investing in mutual funds. One of the most important fees to focus on is the management expense ratio (MER), which is charged by the management team each year based on the amount of assets in the fund. The higher the MER, the worse it is for the fund's investors. It doesn't end there: you'll also see a number of sales charges called "loads" when you buy mutual funds. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">In terms of the beginning investor, the mutual fund fees are actually an advantage relative to the commissions on stocks. The reason for this is that the fees are the same regardless of the amount you invest. So, as long as you have the minimum requirement to open an account, you can invest as little as $50 or $100 per month in a mutual fund. The term for this is called dollar cost averaging (DCA), and it can be a great way to start investing.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Reduce risk with Diversification</strong><br />Diversification is considered to be the only free lunch in investing. (If you are new to this concept, check out Introduction To Diversification, The Importance Of Diversification and A Guide To Portfolio Construction.) In a nutshell, by investing in a range of assets, you reduce the risk of one investment's performance severely hurting the return of your overall investment. You could think of it as financial jargon for "don't put all of your eggs in one basket".</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">In terms of diversification, the greatest amount of difficulty in doing this will come from investments in stocks. This was illustrated in the commissions section of the article, where we discussed how the costs of investing in a large number of stocks can be detrimental to the portfolio. With a $1,000 deposit, it is nearly impossible to have a well-diversified portfolio, so be aware that you may need to invest in one or two companies (at the most) to begin with. This will increase your risk.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">This is where the major benefit of mutual funds comes into focus. Mutual funds tend to have a large number of stocks and other investments within the fund, which makes the fund more diversified than a single stock.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A Small Step Toward a Large Future</strong><br />It is possible to invest if you are just starting out with a small amount of money. It's more complicated than just selecting the right investment (a feat that is difficult enough in itself) and you have to be aware of the restrictions that you face as a new investor. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">You'll have to do your homework to find the minimum deposit requirements and then compare the commissions to other brokers. Chances are you won't be able to cost-effectively buy individual stocks and still be diversified with a small amount of money. Given these restrictions, it's probably worth starting out on your investment journey with mutual funds. However, like all aspects of investing, it's up to you to do the research and figure out the strategy that suits you best.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">by Chad Langager</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Chad Langager is the Senior Financial Editor for Investopedia.com. Chad graduated from the University of Alberta Business School with a degree in finance.</span></em></p>Source: http://www.nasdaq.com/investing/start-investing-1000.stm<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-57986543122098783662009-04-17T19:29:00.000+07:002009-04-17T19:38:14.766+07:00Gold as an investmentThroughout history gold has often been used as money and, instead of quoting the gold price, all other commodities were measured in gold. After World War II a gold standard was established following the 1946 Bretton Woods conference, fixing the gold price at $35 per troy ounce.<br /><br />The system held up until 1971 Nixon Shock, when the US stopped the direct convertibility of the United States dollar to gold. Since 1968 the usual benchmark for the price of gold is known as the London Gold Fixing, a twice-daily (telephone) meeting of representatives from five bullion-trading firms. Furthermore, there is active gold trading based on the intra-day spot price, derived from gold-trading markets around the world as they open and close throughout the day.<br />In March 2008 the gold price reached above $1000[6], reaching an all-time nominal high of $1002.80 which, in real terms was still well below the $850 peak in 1980. It then fell, going as low as $709.50 in November, then resumed its upward trend, temporarily breaking the $1000 barrier again in late February 2009.<br /><br />Factors influencing the gold price<br /><br />Today, like all investments and commodities, the price of gold is ultimately driven by supply and demand. Unlike most other commodities, the hoarding and disposal plays a much bigger role in affecting the price, because most of the gold ever mined still exists and is potentially able to come on to the market for the right price.[7][8] Given the huge quantity of stored gold, compared to the annual production, the price of gold is mainly affected by changes in sentiment, rather than changes in annual production.[9] According to the World Gold Council, annual mine production of gold over the last few years has been close to 2,500 tonnes.[10] About 2,000 tonnes goes into jewelry or industrial/dental production, and around 500 tonnes goes to retail investors and exchange traded gold funds.[10] This translates to an annual demand for gold to be 1000 tonnes in excess over mine production which has come from central bank sales and other disposal.[10]<br /><br />Central banks and the International Monetary Fund play an important role in the gold price. At the end of 2004 central banks and official organizations held 19 percent of all above-ground gold as official gold reserves[11]. The Washington Agreement on Gold (WAG), which dates from September 1999, limits gold sales by its members (Europe, United States, Japan, Australia, Bank for International Settlements and the International Monetary Fund) to less than 400 tonnes a year[12]. European central banks, such as the Bank of England and Swiss National Bank, have been key sellers of gold over this period[13]. Although central banks do not generally announce gold purchases in advance, some, such as Russia, have expressed interest in growing their gold reserves again as of late 2005[14]. In early 2006, China, which only holds 1.3% of its reserves in gold[15], announced that it was looking for ways to improve the returns on its official reserves. Some bulls hope that this signals that China might reposition more of its holdings into gold in line with other Central Banks.[16]<br />A 500,000,000,000 (500 billion) Yugoslavia dinar banknote circa 1993, the largest nominal value ever officially printed in Yugoslavia, the final result of hyperinflation. Photo courtesy of National Bank of Serbia.<br /><br />Bank failures<br /> When dollars were fully convertible into gold, both were regarded as money. However, most people preferred to carry around paper banknotes rather than the somewhat heavier and less divisible gold coins. If people feared their bank would fail, a bank run might have been the result. This is what happened in the USA during the Great Depression of the 1930s, leading President Roosevelt to impose a national emergency and to outlaw the hoarding of gold by US citizens.[17] known as Executive Order 6102 which has since been ended.<br />Low or negative real interest rates<br /> If the return on bonds, equities and real estate is not adequately compensating for risk and inflation then the demand for gold and other alternative investments such as commodities increases. An example of this is the period of Stagflation that occurred during the 1970s and which led to an economic bubble forming in precious metals.[18][19]<br />War, invasion, looting, crisis<br /> In times of national crisis, people fear that their assets may be seized and that the currency may become worthless. They see gold as a solid asset which will always buy food or transportation. Thus in times of great uncertainty, particularly when war is feared, the demand for gold rises.[20][21]<br />The Gold Anti-Trust Action Committee<br /> Organized in January 1999 to advocate and undertake litigation against illegal collusion to control the price and supply of gold and related financial securities.[22] They argue that there could be no US gold in the Fort Knox.[23]<br /><br />Reasons investors buy gold<br /><br />Investors generally buy gold for two main reasons: to financially gain from increasing gold prices, and/or as a hedge or safe haven against any economic, political, social or currency-based crises.<br /><br />Methods of investing in gold<br />Main article: Methods of investing in gold<br /><br />Investment in gold can be done directly through bullion or coin ownership, or indirectly through gold exchange-traded funds, certificates, accounts, spread betting, derivatives or shares.<br /><br />Investment strategies<br /><br />Fundamental analysis<br />One troy ounce along with the certificate<br /><br />Investors using fundamental analysis analyze the macroeconomic situation, which includes international economic indicators, such as GDP growth rates, inflation, interest rates, productivity and energy prices. They would also analyze the yearly global gold supply versus demand. Over 2005 the World Gold Council estimated yearly global gold supply to be 3,859 tonnes and demand to be 3,754 tonnes, giving a surplus of 105 tonnes.[24] While gold production is unlikely to change in the near future, supply and demand due to private ownership is highly liquid and subject to rapid changes. This makes gold very different from almost every other commodity.[7][8]<br /><br />Gold versus stocks<br />Dow/Gold Ratio 1968-2008<br /><br />The performance of gold bullion is often compared to stocks. They are fundamentally different asset classes. Gold is regarded by some as a store of value (without growth) whereas stocks are regarded as a return on value (i.e. growth due to anticipated real price increase plus dividends). Stocks and bonds perform best in a stable political climate with strong property rights and little turmoil. The attached graph shows the value of Dow Jones Industrial Average divided by the price of an ounce of gold. Since 1800, stocks have consistently gained value in comparison to gold due in part to the stability of the American political system.[25] This appreciation has been cyclical with long periods of stock outperformance followed by long periods of gold outperformance. The Dow Industrials bottomed out a ratio of 1:1 with gold during 1980 (the end of the 1970s bear market) and proceeded to post gains throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The ratio peaked on January 14, 2000 a value of 41.3 and has fallen sharply since.<br /><br />In November 2005, Rick Munarriz of Motley Fool.com posed the question of which represented a better investment: a share of Google or an ounce of gold. The specific comparison between these two very different investments seems to have captured the imagination of many in the investment community and is serving to crystallize the broader debate.[26][27] At the time of writing, a share of Google's stock and an ounce of gold were both near $700. On January 4, 2008 23:58 New York Time, it was reported that an ounce of gold outpaced the share price of Google by 30.77%, with gold closing at $859.19 per ounce and a share of Google closing at $657 on U.S. market exchanges. On January 24 2008, the gold price broke the $900 mark per ounce for the first time. The price of gold topped $1,000 an ounce for the first time ever on March 13, 2008 amid recession fears in the United States.[28] Google closed 2008 at $307.65 while gold closed the year at $866.<br /><br />Technical analysis<br /><br />As with stocks, gold investors may base their investment decision partly on, or solely on, technical analysis. Typically, this involves analyzing chart patterns, moving averages, market trends and/or the economic cycle in order to speculate on the future price.<br /><br />Using leverage<br /><br />Bullish investors may choose to leverage their position by borrowing money against their existing gold assets and then purchasing more gold on account with the loaned funds. This technique is referred to as a carry trade. Leverage is also an integral part of buying gold derivatives and unhedged gold mining company shares (see gold mining companies). Leverage via carry trades or derivatives may increase investment gains but also increases risk, as if the gold price decreases, the investor may be subject to a margin call.<br /><br />In 2008, ETF Securities launched ETFS Leveraged Gold (LSE: LBUL) which is designed to change each day by twice the daily percentage change in the DJ-AIG Gold Sub-Index (before fees and adjustments). Therefore if the DJ-AIG Gold Sub-Index rises (or falls) by 1% in one day, then ETFS Leveraged Gold will rise (or fall) by 2%.<br /><br />Bulls versus bears<br /><br />Since April 2001 the gold price[29] has more than tripled in value against the US dollar, prompting speculation that the long secular bear market (or the Great Commodities Depression) has ended and a bull market has returned[30]. A World Gold Council report released on February 18, 2009 showed physical gold demand rose sharply in the second half of 2008. Identifiable investment demand for gold, which includes ETFs (exchange-traded funds), bars, and coins, was up 64 percent in 2008 over the year before.[31]<br /><br />In the last century, major economic crises (such as the Great Depression, World War II, the first and second oil crisis) lowered the Dow/Gold ratio, an indicator of how bad a recession is and whether the outlook is deteriorating or improving, to a value well below 4. The ratio fell on February 18, 2009 to below 8. [32] During these difficult times, investors tried to preserve their assets by investing in precious metals, most notably gold and silver.<br /><br />Source: http://en.wikipedia.org<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-82374128468380107342009-04-15T20:58:00.000+07:002009-04-15T21:11:30.140+07:00NYSE EURONEXT CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SeXq-B3xGLI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/4T2QzyYXRfM/s1600-h/ob041509h.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 163px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SeXq-B3xGLI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/4T2QzyYXRfM/s400/ob041509h.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324920485810608306" border="0" /></a><br />Introduction<br />NYSE Euronext is committed to leading by example and to supporting the highest ethical standards in everything we do. This commitment extends to our relationships with our employees, customers, suppliers, competitors and shareholders as well as governments and the public. The NYSE Euronext Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code”) has been adopted by our leadership and our Board of Directors and explains our basic ethical obligations. It outlines the principles and values that govern the activities of our company. It is not meant to answer every question, but will provide you with a starting point and the tools to make the right choices.<br />For our European entities, the Code is a statement of principles, it does not replace local policies and procedures or individual contracts of employment, and where appropriate it refers you to them.<br />Our Core Values<br />NYSE Euronext’s tradition of ethical business practices embodies our core values of excellence, innovation, customer focus, teamwork, integrity and diversity. We apply these core values in all interactions with customers, regulatory agencies, employees and suppliers.<br />Excellence - Leveraging individual and company strengths to achieve the business objectives and deliver outstanding results.<br />Innovation - Initiating and driving change to create value and maintain a competitive advantage.<br />Customer Focus - Demonstrating a clear understanding of the customer, anticipating and delivering on their future and current needs.<br />Teamwork - Willingly and effectively working with others to achieve shared objectives and deliver added value solutions and outstanding results.<br />Integrity - Demonstrating the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior.<br />Diversity - Creating an inclusive environment that capitalizes on differences and enables individuals to reach their full potential.<br /><br />Who does this Code apply to?<br />This Code applies to the directors, officers and employees of NYSE Euronext, and its subsidiaries (“NYSE Euronext”). In addition, other persons performing services for our company may be subject to the Code by contract or agreement.<br />We are expected to follow the ethical standards set out in this code as well as comply with both the spirit and letter of all laws and regulations applicable to our business. Certain business units may have policies that are more restrictive than the Code and those more restrictive policies will apply to those units. You are responsible for understanding and complying with those policies.<br />What are our responsibilities and obligations regarding this Code?<br />Each of us is expected to promote ethical behavior as a responsible partner in our work environment and to act with honesty and integrity in the performance of our duties.<br />Managers are responsible for helping to create and sustain an ethical culture by setting a strong ethical tone “at the top.” This can be achieved by demonstrating ethical behavior, communicating the importance of incorporating ethical principles throughout the working environment, and being responsive to staff when ethics issues or concerns are raised.<br /><br />DIVERSITY<br />At NYSE Euronext, our people are our most valued asset. The diversity of our company is a tremendous resource which is critical to our success as a global organization. Our ability to achieve global success is dependent, in part, on ideas from different perspectives as well as the energy and creativity that comes from a diverse workforce.<br /><br />RESPECT FOR INDIVIDUALS<br />We are committed to treating all of our employees fairly and providing all employees with a non discriminatory professional work environment. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.<br /><br />INSIDER TRADING<br />NYSE<br />Euronext is committed to complying with all applicable laws designed to protect the investing public with respect to the use and disclosure of material information.<br />You should familiarize yourself with the Personal Trading rules applicable in your location. 3<br />You may not effect any transaction in the securities of NYSE Euronext or any other company while you are in possession of material non-public information. In addition, you may not disclose material non-public information about our company or any other company to another person.<br />If you have any concerns as to whether information would be considered material you should consult your local Internal Compliance Officer or designated person.<br />The legal consequences of insider trading breaches are severe. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by applicable laws and company policies regarding securities trading and personal trading accounts in general.<br /><br />CONFLICTS OF INTEREST<br />We have an obligation to our shareholders and the investing public to make sound business decisions that are in the best interest of the company and that are not influenced by our personal interests.<br />A conflict of interest occurs when your private interest interferes in any way – or even appears to interfere – with the interests of NYSE Euronext. Conflicts of interest also arise if you directly or indirectly receive personal benefits which are deemed to be unethical.<br />You are expected to act on behalf of and in the interest of NYSE Euronext, without favor or preference based on possible direct or indirect personal gain. There may be times when it will become necessary to remove yourself from a situation to avoid a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.<br />You should ensure that you are familiar with the policies applicable within your business unit and location including, among others, those relating to:<br /><br />•<br />Outside Employment – Employees are expected to focus their energy and attention on their responsibilities at NYSE Euronext. Accordingly, an employee may not accept outside employment that would conflict with the interests of NYSE Euronext. 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However, if you feel uncomfortable speaking with them, or your issue is not promptly resolved, you should contact the next level of management.<br /><br />Each location has designated points of contact to whom you should refer for help or guidance, and these are described in local policies, as well as in the Whistleblowing Policy. In general, the following functions or area should be able to provide you with assistance:<br />Ethics<br />Compliance<br />Human Resources<br />Audit<br />Office of the General Counsel<br /><br />Source: http://www.nyse.com<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-2239820312115554372009-04-13T11:02:00.000+07:002009-04-13T11:12:40.468+07:00Small Ahmad, Victims Not guiltyHundreds of photos of children victims of Gaza to attack Israel that often appear in the media is a photo of Mariam and adiknya, Ahmad<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SeK7aahrYzI/AAAAAAAAAJw/zXFuHqZaLNc/s1600-h/marya_thumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SeK7aahrYzI/AAAAAAAAAJw/zXFuHqZaLNc/s400/marya_thumb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324023771976917810" border="0" /></a>Hidayatullah.com--This is the story of Ahmad, a son of small berdosaMaryam not killed on 27 December 2008, when Israel started serangannya to Gaza.<br /><br />Ahmad a son aged 5 years and a very comfortable. Senyumnya will never be forgotten. Anyone who would like to see him. He was a very active child and intelligent. Hobinya playing soccer, computer, and keep the birds. He was the youngest child most disayang by his family, he has a special place in their hearts.<br /><br />Ahmad and his family live in the district of Al-Zahra, central Gaza Strip region. House right next to the Civil Defense Office building. "We are big family and live together in a four-floor building houses. I take the floor and their families to two, while my father on one floor," said Ahmad's father.<br /><br />Morning on 27 December 2008, after Ahmad sarapannya enjoy it and use sepatunya go play in the garden near the house.<br /><br />When his father and brother knew Ahmad, Mariam, will play in the garden, a father trying menahannya. They are waiting for Mohammed, the eldest, came. However, he never succeeded in preventing children to play outside.<br /><br />Morning, as biasanyanya morning in December 2008. Children play and have fun. They dig a hole between the rocks, enjoying the child. By his friends, known as Ahmad children lincah and happy talk.<br /><br />Suddenly something unexpected happened.<br /><br />"When our house was likely affected by the earthquake, all tergoncang," the story of the father. Doors and windows damaged their homes. He tried to find out what is happening outside, find the source of the chilling voice he heard. Visible light cloud of smoke covered the sun.<br /><br />"Practical does not have that I do except make sure that all family members safe, when an explosion another menguncang the building. I try to make sure that everything is entered into the house. Ensure all safe."<br /><br />Mariam suddenly scream, "Father, father, Ahmad, Ahmad ...," the little girl crying hysterical to see the adiknya. "Jeritannya make my body frozen," kenangnya.<br /><br />Ahmad found under the ruins of rocks near the entrance of the home page. Ahmad's father immediately lifting, try to find a vehicle to bring children to the hospital Al-Aqsa martyr.<br /><br />"When I membopongnya, I realize he is lifeless." Head Ahmad crash part, otaknya berceceran on the ground, filled arrow-back arrow metal originating from the bomb.<br /><br />"I stood at the entrance, trying to understand what is happening. Trying to find a vehicle to bring them to the hospital. I am a doctor, but at that time I can not help my own son," he said.<br /><br />"When I leave the house, I see a central building Civil Defense Office has dissolved completely destroyed."<br /><br />"When arriving at the hospital, I see the scenery there is very chilling. Place is filled with dozens of young people are killed and injured, they lie on the floor."<br /><br />"Ahmad was brought directly to the emergency room. Although there are still signs of life, but eventually he was also against the last-winded." When told that, while silent father, no more words on the lips terucap.<br /><br />At the hospital, pikirannya akan always remind their families that live in the building near the Civic Office Petahanan become the target of attacks Israel. He also returned to the home, office building through the Civil Defense severe damage. He also found his house destroyed. In fact many of his family injured.<br /><br />Then it was rushing back to the hospital to search for news about family members. He found Mohammed, the son tertuanya who just returned to the house when the attack occurred, injured in the head.<br /><br />The father sat pensive and thinking the situation at that time. "I never thought-out, which have sent Ahmad children and other small, so they killed in the attack Isreal? They always dream of peace and live like children in other parts of the world," said the father.<br /><br />Mariam, brother Ahmad, will never forget adiknya. He was the last child together before Ahmad was killed. He said that he will always be waiting Ahmad.<br /><br />"We do not want to fight, attack, or have any weapons to kill," That's a word that is often spoken before he killed Ahmad.<br /><br />Source<span style="font-family: arial;font-family:'Georgia','serif';font-size:100%;" >:<span style="font-family: georgia;">http://</span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.hidayatullah.com/" target="_blank">www.hidayatullah.com</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-20893467024380834752009-04-09T14:23:00.000+07:002009-04-09T14:50:50.608+07:00Islam Accused Thirst Blood, How to Answer That?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Sd2ovSJx3CI/AAAAAAAAAHs/wUMa7vddA7U/s1600-h/solidaridad_con_palestina.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/Sd2ovSJx3CI/AAAAAAAAAHs/wUMa7vddA7U/s400/solidaridad_con_palestina.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322595864901966882" border="0" /></a><br />Assalamu 'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,<br />insult Islam actual activities that are already there before, since the Prophet Muhammad SAW sent the first time in the land of Arabs. The people in the Arab Jahiliyah the endless subterfuge to prevent people from get Hidayah. There are just preposterous for them to vilify Islam, including Prophet SAW vilify private.<br />Sometimes they say Muhammad SAW is a madman, sometimes they are a witch, sometimes they are the poet and not infrequently they also said that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW is obtained from reading the book of many holy religious Samawi before.<br />So if there is a site that often disfigure Islam today, reasonable fair-only. Sunnatullah already have good and bad there, there are believers and there are demons laknatullah 'alihi, and adaal-Haq and have al-falsehood.<br />Of course, sites such moved by people who do not have faith, at least by people who misunderstand how eyes and looked to the religion of Islam. Our prayer that the only one who knows Allah SWT will later give Hidayah to them.<br />We are not too pessimistic, and emotionally with this. The case of those who hate Islam, initially, and then get Hidayah and eventually turn a bully defenders of Islam, have been too many that can be called?<br />For example, the story Umar bin Al-Khattab radhiyallahu 'anhu. Before entering Islam, he is the number one which is very anti-Islam, not only the sharp-spoken, even he does not hesitate to kill Muhammad SAW.<br />But if Allah SWT will have to give Hidayah, no one can prevent. Suddenly Hidayah that penetrate into himself, and he shall turn embraced Islam.<br />Perhaps it is because the Prophet SAW never pray that Allah SWT strengthen Islam with one of the two Umar. In fact that is given Hidayah Umar bin Al-Khattab. Be he a sincere defender of Islam.<br />Therefore let us pray together so that anyone who works insulting Islam, either through oral, written or deed, so that Allah SWT Hidayah was down to him in his heart the most in, and return to the straight path. Amien ya rabbal 'alamin.<br />Islam Not Religion Blood<br />Actually it easy for false accusations, allegations, or derision that Islam is religion of blood-blood, ordered the murder, allowed war, until they said that Islam spread through sword.<br />Maybe we do not need to use their discussions with the Al-Quran verse, perhaps because we do not even own or have not studied much science Al-Quran.<br />Let's get them to the real world, the world's facts and data. Try our habituate the history of Islam, especially the history of the prophet Muhammad SAW. If Islam was accused of blood thirsty, try calculating how much the victim lives in the war, during Muhammad SAW to be apostles.<br />Dr. Muhammad 'Imarah never do arithmetic-count, 20-an that from war that never followed by the Prophet SAW, the victims of the soul only 386 people are recorded. That also includes the victims of the Muslims and unbelievers.<br />Imagine, though there are signs that the war and ordered to kill the unbelievers in the battlefield harbi, victims of the soul of fact only 300 people-an historical as long as only a prophet. That number is very small compared with the number of victims of the soul occur anywhere on earth.<br />Victims of War Christian Religion in Europe<br />Try to compare it with the civil war between fellow Christians Catholic against Protestant sects in Europe that the number of victims reached 10 million inhabitants lives. If it is said that Islam is blood thirsty, because the war has hitch 386 lives, and Catholics and Protestan battle brother and killed 10 million lives that we want to call it what?<br />Filsuf France, Voltire (1694-1778), said that the victim lives 10 million people was in the past, together with 40% of Central Europe. Try to think again, who is a blood thirsty?<br />Victims of Revolution Bolsevic<br />In Russia to realize communism Bolsevic Revolution held in the year 1917. And for that has killed 19 million people. After communism in power, has condemned the despicable about 2 million people and about 4 or 5 million people expelled from Russia. Do we still want to say that Islam should be the blood, and that communism is what we want?<br />Atom Bom victims in the United States Japan<br />In 1945, the United States has bomb drop on Hiroshima be fatal that 140 thousand people. While the number of victims in Nagasaki 70 thousand inhabitants. They have not counted the wounded, sick and disabled for life exposed to nuclear radiation.<br />Bombardment was carried out by the official United States government under the leadership of Rosevelt, President of USA at that time. For the first time in history, discovery of nuclear energy is used as a mass destructive weapons. What should be the blood of Islam or America?<br />Victims of Indian tribe<br />Long before the Americas visited with nations of Europe, there are already native tribes inhabit the continent of peace.<br />However, in the year of birth 1830 Indian Removal Act, which allows the expulsion of the Indian nation in the interest of the migrants who were dominated by white. As a result, more than 70,000 people expelled from the Indian soil so that lead to thousands of people died.<br />Whether Islam is still spelled like blood thirsty, or the western United States is a blood thirsty?<br />Victims of Rwanda<br />In Rwanda, approximately 800,000 ethnic Tutsi victims slaughter planned by figures militant Hutu tribe, and even some of their own ethnic Hutu moderate, in the sense not to war with the Tutsi tribe, also become victims of the slaughter.<br />Victims of the Second World War<br />In the year 1945, a population of human beings on the earth as recorded 1, 9 billion people (1,971,470,000 people). At the time that happens the second world war, the number of victims reached fantastic spirit, not less than 62 million people, precisely 62, 537, 400 inhabitants. That's the same murder of 3, 17% population of the human race on earth.<br />And the war that involves the state superpower at that time, the postscript is not the land of Islam.Still we accuse Islam as a religion of war ? Islamic civilization have the birth of the world war?<br />Jewish victims of slaughter in Palestine<br />Jewish terrorist group leader Menachem Begin to the members, including Ariel Sharon, in 1948 was 1000 slaughter of the Arabs of Deir Yassin, south of Jerusalem.<br />And when Ariel Sharon became Minister of The Armed Forces of Israel, involved 3000 slaughter of Palestinian civilians in refugee camps Sabhra and Shatila, Southern Lebanon in 1982.<br />That is not war but slaughter. Jewish troops ruffianly to come to Israel and the Palestinians fire on civilians who do not sin.we still say Islam as a religion of blood thirsty? And if we still want to say that Jews are friendly, loving and gentle?<br />Serbian victims in Bosnia<br />Serbian forces led by Slobodan Milošević ethnic cleansing operation systematically in cities occupied during the war lasts. At least 200,000 people died in the war four years.<br />Bosnia and Herzegoviaberagama Islam, since the era of khilafah Turkey Utsmani. Inikah the Islamic blood thirsty?<br />Victims of War In the data titled: Sirah Nabawi<br />If Islam is said blood thirsty, or spread with the sword, let us more carefully in the number of number of victims killed in the battle in the history of life of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.<br />1. Badr War 2 Hijriyah year, 70 people disbelieve the victims, 14 victims of Muslim people<br />2. Abdullah bin Jahsy operation 2 years Hijriyah, kafir1 the victim, the victim is not Muslim.<br />3. As the war years Sawiq-2 Hijriyah, the victim does not have disbelieved, there is no Muslim victims.<br />4. Operation Ka'ab bin Al-Ashraf Hijriyah year 3, 1 people disbelieve the victim, the victim is not Muslim<br />5. Uhud war 3 Hijriyah year, 22 people disbelieve the victims, 70 victims of Muslim people<br />6. Hamra'ul war Hijriyah Asad 3 years, 1 people disbelieve the victim, the victim is not Muslim<br />7. Operation Raji 'Hijriyah year 3, the victim does not have disbelieved, Muslims victims of 7 people<br />8. Operation Bi'ru Ma'unahtahun 3 Hijriyah, the victim does not have disbelieved, the victim muslim27<br />9. War Khandaq tahun5 Hijriyah, 3 people disbelieve the victims, the victims of Muslim 5<br />10. Children of war Quraidhahtahun 5 Hijriyah, 600 people disbelieve the victims, the victims have muslimtidak. But in fact this number can not be said as a victim of war, because the 600 people that die because of the treachery that is very painful.<br />11. Operation 5 Hijriyah Atik, kafir1 the victim, the victim is not Muslim<br />12. Dzi Qird war years 6 Hijriyah, 1 person disbelieved victims, victims of Muslim-Muslim people<br />13. Children of war Mushthaliq tahun6 Hijriyah, the victim does not have disbelieved, Muslims sacrifice 1 person<br />14. Khaibar-war 7 years Hijriyah, 2 people disbelieve the victims, 20 victims of Muslim people<br />15. War Wadilqura years 7 Hijriyah, the victim does not have disbelieved, the victim muslim1<br />16. Mu'tah war years 8 Hijriyah, the victim does not have disbelieved, 11 Muslim victims of the<br />17. War Fathu Makkah 8 Hijriyah year, 17 people disbelieve the victim, the victim muslim3<br />18. Hunain war years 8 Hijriyah, 84 people disbelieve the victims, the victims of muslim 4<br />19. War Thaif years 8 Hijriyah, the victim does not have the heathen, the victim muslim13<br />20. Tabuk years of war 2 Hijriyah, the victim does not have disbelieved, victims have muslimtidak<br />That is the authentic data in the history of war victims prophet Muhammad SAW for 23 years, this number only 386 souls only, including Muslims and unbelievers.<br />Where evidence that Islam is blood thirsty and ordered the murder? All these accusations are not only clear edge and the end, made the unbelievers that clever trick. They use the Al-Quran verses to seek out reasons that Islam is bloodthirsty, they argued that raw, because the level in history, has never proven the allegations.<br />Thus life outside of Islam is a life full of ghoulish bloodshed.<br />Allah knows best bishshawab, wassalamu 'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,<br />Sarwat Ahmad, LC<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70622780579504283.post-79106109917129577932009-04-05T18:58:00.000+07:002009-04-05T19:11:10.449+07:00Hijab: Apparel Closing genitalia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SdifKJHvE5I/AAAAAAAAAHk/siQZwG9XWdw/s1600-h/veiled-woman_5965.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wG7VsBJtAWw/SdifKJHvE5I/AAAAAAAAAHk/siQZwG9XWdw/s400/veiled-woman_5965.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321177956334113682" /></a><br /><div align="justify"> Islam is a religious disposition. Therefore the entire ajarannya did not conflict with the disposition, even to protect the human disposition. Islam always provide enough space for the character as human beings to interact with social fellow. Islam provides guidance so that interaction can be run well, always uphold the dignity and glory of high value, in order not to sink into the pseudo-freedom that is very harmful. in this discussion is the Hijab of the important pillars of Islam.<br />Clothes For A Muslimah<br /><br />The clothing worn by a Muslim must fulfill the requirements as follows:<br /><br />1. Close genitals;<br />2. Carry out the type and model specified syara '(wearing jilbab, khumur, mihnah and meet the criteria irkha')<br />3. No see-through;<br />4. Does not show the shape and hollow body;<br />5. Not tabarruj;<br />6. Does not resemble men's clothing;<br />7. Tasyabbuh not against the unbelievers.<br /><br />Details of each of the above requirements vary based on:<br /><br />1. The existence of women in public places or in a place special.<br /><br />2. The existence of the woman in front of non mahram or husband or in front or not.<br /><br />Appearance of women distinguished between the special and public places. For example, in their own home a woman can open a jilbabnya and only use mihnahnya, except if there is a guest male non muhrim.<br /><br />As in the general appearance of women with limited conditions as follows:<br /><br />a. Obligations of the genitalia, the whole body except face and palm.<br /><br />b. Obligation to use special clothes in public life, the veil (khimar) and jilbab (a broad outerwear (such as a robe) that cover the usual daily clothing worn woman in the house (mihnah), protruding from the top to toe.<br /><br />c. Tabarruj restrictions (weight of body beauty, beauty and jewelry in front of the male non muhrim or life in general).<br /><br />d. Tasyabbuh prohibition against men.<br /><br />Especially for women menopause is allowed to release God jilbabnya just ordered to remain tabarruj not, that allowed for using the clothes long selapis not duplicate (not jilbab) model for what the body does not reveal the beauty of clothing such as long on the bottom, kulot and other long - others, Qs. An-Nur [24]: 60).<br /><br />Women's clothing in the house enough to use mihnah (unless there are guests mahrom not, he should cover the genitals must be closed before the mahrom not). Before mahrom then simply use mihnah (except in a public place must meet the women's clothing in public places), before the husband must not have shut the body (although not recommended in the buff).<br /><br /><br /><br />Female genitalia<br /><br />Discussion of the female genitalia is divided into three conditions, namely:<br /><br />1. Their husbands before she can expose the entire body (based on the hadith history Bahz bin Hakim).<br /><br />2. Muhrimnya before and the people who called in the Qs. An-Nur [24]: 31 and Qs. an-Nisa '[4]: 23 for the show can be part of a regular member body called the mahaluzzinah member body that usually made the jewelry, such as: whole head, the necklace (neck), the bracelet hand (wrist) to base of the arm and leg bracelets (ankle) until the knee. Mahaluzzinah this normal when women appear wearing clothes in the house (mihnah). In addition, members of the body may appear to others, including when there is intent, such as stomach, breast, genitals, except that there are between the navel and the knee ..<br /><br />Understanding mahaluzzinah is taken from Allah SWT says:<br /><br />".... And they do not reveal their adornment except that (usually) visible from him. And let them cloth veil to cover their breasts, and do not reveal their adornment, except ... "(Qs. An-Nur [24]: 31).<br /><br />Illegitimate word that means the language jewelry, but jewelry is not the usual meaning of the people but here adultery is a member of that body jewelry is the place (mahaluzzinah), as minha illa ma zhahara are commonly visible at the time (when this verse came down ), namely the face and the hands, so the members of the body.<br /><br />1. Meanwhile, in front of men other than her husband and then muhrimnya female genitalia is the whole body except face and palm.<br /><br />The basis of the determination of female genitalia is the whole body except the hands and face, namely:<br /><br />".... And they do not reveal their adornment except that (usually) visible from him." (Qs. An-Nur [24]: 31).<br /><br />Whereas the normal is visible from the face and the hands. Because two of this section which is visible from the Muslim woman in front of the Messenger Muhammad Saw (whether in prayer, pilgrimage and in daily life outside of prayer and pilgrimage) and the Messenger mendiamkannya while the verses of al-Qu'ran is still down. Commentary on this case, Ibn Abbas says the zhahara minha illa ma is the face and hands, also from the Imam Ibn Jarir Ath-Thabari says "Family is the most powerful issues in this opinion is that something that is always visible and the face hands. "(Jami 'al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an, jld. 18, pp. 94). It is strengthened with the word apostle Saw to Asma 'bint Abu Bakr:<br /><br />"O Asma ': The woman who was not eligible for the curse of the visible body except this and this. He was appointed on the face and hands. "[HR. David Abu, No. 3580].<br /><br />Qs. An-Nur [24]: 31 down before the paragraph about the jilbab so that this paragraph represents only the genitals and the limits of the veil. While the obligation berjilbab akan discussed follow.<br /><br />As related to the genitals that is closed, then syara 'does not specify a particular clothing to cover the genitals, but only a few conditions, namely:<br /><br />1. Clothing that does not show genitals (can close all the genitalia).<br /><br />2. Clothing that can close the skin, so skin color does not mind that women's wear, namely whether the skin is white, red, yellow, black, and others.<br /><br /> If you do not meet these requirements can not cover as diianggap genitalia. If the clothing is thin eg brocade, veil is thin, thin socks, thin rukuh and others, so that the visible color (hair) is that the clothes, the women who wear clothes are deemed auratnya appear or does not cover auratnya.<br /><br /> Evidence that Islam has Syariat require close the skin so that it does not appear to color the skin is a hadith which diriwayatkan from A'isyah ra, he has narrate that Asma 'bint Abu Bakr came to Rasulullah Saw wearing clothes with a thin face and he turned from Asma' and said :<br /><br />"O Asma ': The woman who was not eligible for the curse of the visible body except this and this ..." [HR. Abu David, no. 3580].<br /><br />Prophet in the hadith on the clothes of the genitalia is thin and has not been considered auratnya open, so he turned the face of Asma 'and ordered Asma' to cover the genitalia. Evidence that strengthen this problem is in the hadith diriwayatkan Usamah:<br /><br />"Commanded wives to wear thin again (gholalah) under the thin shirt. Indeed, I fear for the woman tersifati tulangnya. "<br /><br />He knows when Saw Usamah enrobe clothing that is thin on his wife, he menyuruhnya so that his wife wear thin at the bottom of the clothes that tipisnya.<br /><br />And he gave illat on the problem with sabdanya:<br /><br />"I fear the woman tersifati tulangnya."<br /><br />This means that women must cover the nature of the tulangnya, should not use the thin clothing, so that the skin color appears.<br /><br /> Thus, women should pay attention 2 these requirements when selecting the type of fabric and cover including cover genitalia genitals in front of mahrom and women such as trousers 3 / 4 to knee, doctor's lab coat and others.<br /><br /> However, when the menopause than women outside the home or public places (mosques, markets, roads and others) in addition to the limitations and restrictions tabarruj genitalia, there are other provisions that need to be, namely the obligation to use special clothing that have been God be khimar (veil) and jilbab (robe langsungan from top to toe), not the clothing, such as clothes on the bottom of the long, long kulot and others. Although the type of clothing is close but not the genitals including jilbab, because it is the type of clothing can only be used by women who have menopause and have no sexual desire (Qs. An-Nur [24]: 60). For menopause women have one thing to note in the top that is not allowed tabarruj. Therefore, long trousers, long socks, shirts Stret fit body may not be used as a cover menopause because women's genitals, including tabarruj (feature jewelry and beauty / body shape). For more details about the special clothes in public life can be seen in the next session.<br /><br />Women's Clothing in Public Life<br /><br />Life in general, that is when women are outside the house / in front of male non mahrom, then a woman should use the clothes perfectly, namely:<br />1. Close genitals;<br />2. Carry out the type and model specified syara '(wearing jilbab, khumur, mihnah and meet the criteria irkha');<br />3. No see-through;<br />4. Does not show the shape and hollow body;<br />5. Not tabarruj;<br />6. Does not resemble men's clothing;<br />7. Tasyabbuh not against the unbelievers.<br /><br /> Evidence-proof on this issue see more discussion of the above. Adapaun other proposition is as follows:<br /><br />"Say to the believing women: 'Let them hold views, and keep kemaluannya, and do not reveal their adornment except that (usually) visible from him. And let them menutupkankhumur (cloth veil) to juyub (chest) is, and do not expose perhiasanyaa, except to their husbands, or their father, their husband or father, or son-son of their son or their husband, son, or brother -brother their son-son or brother they are, or son-son of their sister, or women, or slaves of their own or the servants of men who do not have any desire ( against women) or children who do not understand about women's genitalia. And let them flail foot jewelry is known that they hide. And bertaubatlah to God, O people who believe that ye may prosper. ' "(Qs. An-Nur [24]: 31).<br /><br /> Liability arising from use khumur command and let them cover khumur / cloth veil to juyub (chest)-nya. Khumur is jama 'khimar of the veil covering the head, and juyub is jama' Jain said of the end of the clothing (latch opener) around the neck and above the chest. In other words is khimar cloth covering the head without covering the face, protruding up to cover the bottom end of the clothing (jilbab) the shirt button above the chest. Thus, to the top of women's bodies are required to wear veil outstretched until the end of the clothes (note button) / on the chest. Meanwhile, beneath the jilbab was / robe.<br /><br />Proof obligations are as follows:<br /><br />(1) Let the expression jilbabnya they extend to the entire body as they mentioned dalamfirman Allah SWT:<br /><br />"O Prophet, say to the wife-wives, children, women and wives who believe: 'Let them jilbabnya extend to the whole body of them.' That is that they may more easily recognized, and they will not be disturbed. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. "(Qs. al-Ahzab [33]: 59).<br /><br />(2) the ability undress outside (jilbab) for women menopouse with no expression on their sins undress (outside) as they are in Allah SWT says:<br />"And older women who have stopped (from the period and contain) that there is no wish to marry (again), no sin on them undress (outside) they do not (intend) appeared jewelry (tabarruj), and the modest effect is better for them. And Allah is Hearing, Knowing. "(Qs. An-Nur [24]: 60).<br /><br />(3) The phrase one of us does not have a jilbab, he said: "Let his brother jilbabnya lend." Sebagimana in the hadith of Umm 'Athiyah ra. Said:<br /><br />He told us, a grandmother, a grandmother, a woman who is bleeding, seclusion of women to get out on the feast day and Fitri Adha. So for women who are bleeding and prayer should not see the goodness and dakwah Muslims. I said: "O Messenger of Allah one of us does not have a jilbab," he said: "Let his brother lend jilbabnya." (HR. Muslim, no 1475].<br /><br />In the Qs. Al-Ahzab [33]: 59 and hadist of Umm 'Athiyah, Allah and His Messenger, to use a similar command muslimah clothing called jilbab.<br /><br />Understanding The jilbab<br /><br /> Jilbab words used in the Qur'an and Hadith, but the meaning of the word is to be returned on the meaning is understood by the people when the word is revealed / disclosed. Diriwayatkan from Ibn Abbas, he said jilbab (nash is on): clothes outside of work to cover the body from the top to bottom (ground). In Al-arab dictionary Muhith, jilbab means: Clothing for women is wide, covering tsiyab / mihnah (the usual daily clothing when flying in the house), shaped like malhafah (cover top of head to bottom). Similarly, mentioned by al-expert in the Ash Shihah. Definition jilbab is also implicit in the Qs. An-Nur [24]: 60 even though the verse is God using the term tsiyab to mention the meaning of jilbab.<br /><br /> From Qs. An-Nur [24]: 60 can be taken that the female menopause that are not allowed to have any sexual desire release tsiyabnya (clothes outside / jilbab), the remaining mihnah, only further ordered not to reveal the beauty, body shape, jewelry (not tabarruj ) that are allowed to use any kind of clothes that do not expose mihnah beauty / body form, such as clothes on the bottom of the long house dress, long kulot and others, does not like tights long as it includes tabarruj.<br /><br /> Tsiyab here understood outerwear / jilbab clothing is not always possible because God does not command women naked menopause. Means can also be understood for the menopause women are not obliged to use three layers / types of clothing when in front of male non mahrom the veil, and mihnah jilbab.<br /><br /> The Hadist of Umm 'Athiyah explain clearly when a woman out of the house / before the men are required to use non mahrom clothing worn on the clothing in the house (mihnah), as Umm' Athiyah said to Rasulullah Saw: "One of us does not have any jilbab ", the Prophet said:" Let the brother of her female lend jilbabnya. "This means if someone does not have a jilbab and his brother does not meminjami she was not allowed out. This is the indication (qarinah) that the hadith is mandatory. And that meant the jilbab hadist this is not just cover the genitals but as diriwayatkan from Ibn Abbas that the jilbab: clothes outside of work to cover the body from top to bottom.<br /><br />This can also be found in the Tafsir Jalalain (see Tafsir Jalalain, jld. III, pp. 1803) is defined as a fabric used to cover the entire female body.<br /><br /> Jilbab than required should be knowledgeable outstretched straight down until the cover to two foot. This is as diriwayatkan by Ibn Abbas, and also can be understood from the nash-nash yudnîna 'alaihinna min jalabibihinna point here is not to explain but part, while the meaning yudnîna is yurkhîna ila asfal (extend up to the bottom / both legs). So conclusion jilbab should be outstretched to direct down (not down potong-potong/atas) to close the two-foot (not the feet). This is a hadith by Ibn Umar by diriwayatkan. Ibn Umar said: Messenger of Allah said:<br /><br />"He dragged the clothes with the proud He will not see it on the Day of Resurrection." Umm Salamah said: "How should consist of the tip of the women dress (jilbab) for them?" He said: "Let them hold out a neck." Umm Salamah said again: "If their feet so visible." He said: "Let the crane sehasta shirt and not more than that."<br /><br /> From here it is clear that can not be jilbab outstretched part per part, for example clothing discount, but diulurkannya direct from top to bottom. In addition to mengulurkannya must foot (not the feet), can not be less than that, so when jilbabnya legs outstretched and eyes to the rest (foot) is closed with the socks / shoes, then this is not simply replace the requirement irkha ' (terulurnya clothes to the bottom). In this case to note is the irkha ', the jilbab should cover both the outstretched foot that can be known clearly that the clothes are clothes in public life. When jilbabnya already outstretched to toe walk but if his leg still looks a bit like when receiving guests, walk around the house, so this does not do anything even though it is recommended to keep 'iffah (berhati-hati/becareful). Only when the activity is to make women more visible such legs in a bicycle, motorcycle and others are required to use the leg cover anything like socks, shoes and others.<br /><br /><br />Appeal to you Muslimah<br />O give the kerudungnya a Hijab<br />that we maintain the honor<br />A Grace for us<br />strength for our Religion<br />and the basis for our<br />Mouth children mereguk in our pangkuanmu<br />Since he learned early melafadzkan "laa ilaaha illallah"<br />Cintamulah that formed our minds<br />Our words, our practice<br />Arrow Flash We compete in awanmu<br />O maintainer Syari'at favor of God<br />Thou art the God of Religion winded obtain light<br />Dandified caravan and strangle the opponent this way Zaman<br />Ayolah brother,. . .<br />hold hands in a tight integrity<br />musnahkan worldly wealth<br />guard the sanctity of the mother is<br />Maunder Usahlah consider the profit & loss<br />Enough is still standing upright<br />meniti in the way of truth in the way of Allah, swt.</div><br /><br />Source:http://catatanmuslim.web.id/2009/03/29/hijab-pakaian-penutup-aurat/<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites?format=sigpro" type="text/javascript" ></script><noscript><p>Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Ozie_backSites"></a><br/>Powered by FeedBurner</p> </noscript></div>Ozie Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12843243284587051145noreply@blogger.com2